Dog Biting Louse vs Ornate Tiger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dog Biting Louse Ornate Tiger Moth
Scientific Name Trichodectes canis Arctia flavia
Order Phthiraptera Lepidoptera
Family Trichodectidae Arctiidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 45-55 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Meadows
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America European Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

Ornate Tiger Moth

A rare alpine tiger moth with cream forewings bearing irregular brown markings and orange-yellow hindwings with dark spots. It inhabits high-altitude meadows and rocky slopes.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the rarest tiger moths in Europe and is legally protected in several countries.