Chicken Body Louse vs Hog Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chicken Body Louse | Hog Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menacanthus stramineus | Haematopinus suis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Haematopinidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Chicken Body Louse
The most damaging louse of domestic poultry, feeding on feathers, skin, and blood. Heavy infestations cause feather loss, reduced egg production, and anemia.
Did You Know?
This louse is unusual among bird lice because it actively feeds on blood by gnawing through pin feathers, not just on feather material.
Hog Louse
The largest louse found on domestic animals, exclusively parasitizing pigs. It feeds on blood and is most commonly found behind the ears and in skin folds.
Did You Know?
At up to 6 mm long, the hog louse is the largest sucking louse known, easily visible to the naked eye on infested pigs.