Human Body Louse vs Peafowl Feather Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Human Body Louse | Peafowl Feather Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pediculus humanus humanus | Goniodes pavonis |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Pediculidae | Philopteridae |
| Size | 2.5-3.5 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Indoors | Gardens |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America | South Asia, Worldwide in captive populations |
| 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.
Peafowl Feather Louse
A large chewing louse found on peafowl and pheasants. It feeds on feather material and can damage the ornamental plumage of peacocks.
Did You Know?
Heavy infestations can damage the spectacular tail feathers that peacocks depend on for courtship displays.