Chicken Body Louse vs Notch-horned Cleg
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Chicken Body Louse | Notch-horned Cleg |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menacanthus stramineus | Haematopota pluvialis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Diptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Tabanidae |
| Size | 3-3.5 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | Europe, Western Asia |
| 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.
Notch-horned Cleg
A grey horse fly with mottled wings that approaches silently before biting. It is one of the most common biting flies in Europe.
Did You Know?
Unlike most horse flies, the cleg approaches completely silently, landing and biting before being noticed.