Hog Louse vs Human Head Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hog Louse | Human Head Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopinus suis | Pediculus humanus capitis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Haematopinidae | Pediculidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Hog Louse
The largest louse found on domestic animals, exclusively parasitizing pigs. It feeds on blood and is most commonly found behind the ears and in skin folds.
Did You Know?
At up to 6 mm long, the hog louse is the largest sucking louse known, easily visible to the naked eye on infested pigs.
Human Head Louse
An obligate ectoparasite of the human scalp that feeds on blood several times per day. It spreads through direct head-to-head contact.
Did You Know?
Head lice have co-evolved with humans for millions of years, and DNA analysis of lice has helped trace ancient human migration patterns.