Human Body Louse vs Large Turkey Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Human Body Louse | Large Turkey Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pediculus humanus humanus | Chelopistes meleagridis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Pediculidae | Philopteridae |
| Size | 2.5-3.5 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Farmland |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America | North America, Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Human Body Louse
Closely related to the head louse but lives in clothing rather than on hair. It is the vector for epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever.
Did You Know?
Body lice are believed to have evolved from head lice when humans first began wearing clothing roughly 70,000 to 170,000 years ago.
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.