Dog Biting Louse vs Cattle Sucking Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog Biting Louse Cattle Sucking Louse
Scientific Name Trichodectes canis Linognathus vituli
Order Phthiraptera Phthiraptera
Family Trichodectidae Linognathidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Worldwide
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.

Cattle Sucking Louse

A blood-sucking louse found on calves and young cattle worldwide. It has a distinctive long narrow head adapted for piercing skin.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations on calves can cause severe anemia and even death in young animals.