Horse Sucking Louse vs Farmyard Midge

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horse Sucking Louse Farmyard Midge
Scientific Name Haematopinus asini Culicoides nubeculosus
Order Phthiraptera Diptera
Family Haematopinidae Ceratopogonidae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 2 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Worldwide Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Horse Sucking Louse

A large blood-sucking louse found on horses, donkeys, and mules. It prefers areas with long hair such as the mane, forelock, and tail base.

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Did You Know?

Infested horses develop a rough, dull coat and the constant irritation can cause significant weight loss.

Farmyard Midge

A tiny biting midge that breeds in mud contaminated by dung or sewage. Adults suck blood from horses and cattle. Can transmit bluetongue virus and African horse sickness.

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Did You Know?

Despite being only 2mm long, it is the primary vector of bluetongue virus, a devastating livestock disease.