Hog Louse vs Large Turkey Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hog Louse | Large Turkey Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopinus suis | Chelopistes meleagridis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Haematopinidae | Philopteridae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America | North America, Europe |
| 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.
Large Turkey Louse
The largest louse found on domestic turkeys, feeding on feather material. It prefers the breast and thigh feathers of its host.
Did You Know?
Benjamin Franklin studied this louse while advocating for the turkey as America's national bird.