Elephant Louse vs Long-horned Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elephant Louse Long-horned Bee
Scientific Name Haematomyzus elephantis Eucera longicornis
Order Phthiraptera Hymenoptera
Family Haematomyzidae Apidae
Size 2-3 mm 13-16 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Blood Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Asia, Africa Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Near Threatened

Elephant Louse

A highly specialized louse found only on elephants, with piercing mouthparts adapted to penetrate the thick pachyderm skin. It is the sole member of its family.

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Did You Know?

The elephant louse is so specialized that it represents an entire family of its own, having co-evolved with elephants for millions of years.

Long-horned Bee

Males are unmistakable with their extraordinarily long antennae, nearly as long as the body. It nests in the ground in warm, sunny grasslands.

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Did You Know?

The male's enormously long antennae are thought to help detect female pheromones at greater distances.