Eastern Forktail vs Dog Biting Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Forktail | Dog Biting Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ischnura verticalis | Trichodectes canis |
| Order | Odonata | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Coenagrionidae | Trichodectidae |
| Size | 21-33 mm | 1.5-2 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Forktail
A small damselfly where males are green and black with a blue tail tip. Young females are bright orange but turn olive-grey with age.
Did You Know?
Young females are striking bright orange, a color they lose completely as they mature.
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.
Did You Know?
Dogs can acquire tapeworm infections by accidentally swallowing these lice during grooming, as the lice carry tapeworm larvae.