Peafowl Feather Louse vs Cattle Biting Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peafowl Feather Louse Cattle Biting Louse
Scientific Name Goniodes pavonis Bovicola bovis
Order Phthiraptera Phthiraptera
Family Philopteridae Trichodectidae
Size 2-4 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South Asia, Worldwide in captive populations Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can damage the spectacular tail feathers that peacocks depend on for courtship displays.

Cattle Biting Louse

A chewing louse that infests cattle worldwide, causing irritation and economic losses in livestock. Infestations worsen in winter when cattle have thick coats.

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Did You Know?

Winter infestations of this louse can cause cattle to rub and scratch so intensely that they damage fences and lose significant weight.