New Caledonian Imperial Pigeon Louse vs Holly Blue
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Caledonian Imperial Pigeon Louse | Holly Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Columbicola extinctus | Celastrina argiolus |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Philopteridae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 26-34 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Caledonia) | Europe, North Africa, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Extinct | Least Concern |
New Caledonian Imperial Pigeon Louse
A chewing louse that was endemic to the now-extinct New Caledonian lorikeet. This species represents the coextinction phenomenon where parasites disappear with their hosts. It highlights the hidden biodiversity loss that accompanies vertebrate extinctions.
Did You Know?
For every bird or mammal that goes extinct, an average of two to three unique parasite species disappear with it, representing a massive hidden wave of coextinction.
Holly Blue
Pale silvery-blue butterfly with small black dots on the underside. Alternates between holly and ivy as host plants between spring and summer broods.
Did You Know?
Population numbers cycle dramatically every few years due to a parasitic wasp that tracks its abundance.