Narrow-banded Hoverfly vs Dog Biting Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-banded Hoverfly Dog Biting Louse
Scientific Name Meliscaeva auricollis Trichodectes canis
Order Diptera Phthiraptera
Family Syrphidae Trichodectidae
Size 7-10 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narrow-banded Hoverfly

A small hoverfly with narrow yellow crescent markings on a dark abdomen. It is among the first hoverflies to appear in spring.

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Did You Know?

Adults can be seen flying as early as February in mild winters.

Dog Biting Louse

A chewing louse that infests domestic dogs, feeding on skin debris and secretions. It can serve as an intermediate host for the dog tapeworm.

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Did You Know?

Dogs can acquire tapeworm infections by accidentally swallowing these lice during grooming, as the lice carry tapeworm larvae.