Geranium Bronze vs Peafowl Feather Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Geranium Bronze Peafowl Feather Louse
Scientific Name Cacyreus marshalli Goniodes pavonis
Order Lepidoptera Phthiraptera
Family Lycaenidae Philopteridae
Size 18-23 mm wingspan 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Native to South Africa; invasive in Mediterranean Europe South Asia, Worldwide in captive populations
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Geranium Bronze

A small dull brown butterfly with a distinctive white fringe and thin tail that has become a major pest of cultivated geraniums in Europe. Its larvae bore into geranium buds and stems.

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Did You Know?

Since its accidental introduction to Majorca in 1990, it has spread across most of southern Europe.

Peafowl Feather Louse

A large chewing louse found on peafowl and pheasants. It feeds on feather material and can damage the ornamental plumage of peacocks.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can damage the spectacular tail feathers that peacocks depend on for courtship displays.