Goat Biting Louse vs Chicken Body Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Goat Biting Louse | Chicken Body Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bovicola caprae | Menacanthus stramineus |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Trichodectidae | Menoponidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 3-3.5 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Goat Biting Louse
A chewing louse infesting domestic goats worldwide. It feeds on skin flakes and causes intense itching and coat damage.
Did You Know?
Angora goats are particularly susceptible because their long mohair provides an ideal habitat for these lice.
Chicken Body Louse
The most damaging louse of domestic poultry, feeding on feathers, skin, and blood. Heavy infestations cause feather loss, reduced egg production, and anemia.
Did You Know?
This louse is unusual among bird lice because it actively feeds on blood by gnawing through pin feathers, not just on feather material.