Horse Sucking Louse vs Large Turkey Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horse Sucking Louse Large Turkey Louse
Scientific Name Haematopinus asini Chelopistes meleagridis
Order Phthiraptera Phthiraptera
Family Haematopinidae Philopteridae
Size 2.5-3.5 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Worldwide North America, 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.

Large Turkey Louse

The largest louse found on domestic turkeys, feeding on feather material. It prefers the breast and thigh feathers of its host.

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Did You Know?

Benjamin Franklin studied this louse while advocating for the turkey as America's national bird.