Dog Biting Louse vs Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog Biting Louse Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp
Scientific Name Trichodectes canis Scolia dubia
Order Phthiraptera Hymenoptera
Family Trichodectidae Scoliidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dog Biting Louse

A chewing louse that infests domestic dogs, feeding on skin debris and secretions. It can serve as an intermediate host for the dog tapeworm.

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Did You Know?

Dogs can acquire tapeworm infections by accidentally swallowing these lice during grooming, as the lice carry tapeworm larvae.

Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp

A black and reddish-brown wasp with iridescent blue wings commonly seen on flowers in late summer. It parasitizes green June beetle and Japanese beetle grubs.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the best natural controls for Japanese beetle grubs, which are major lawn and garden pests.