Peafowl Feather Louse vs Large Pale Clothes Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peafowl Feather Louse Large Pale Clothes Moth
Scientific Name Goniodes pavonis Tinea pallescentella
Order Phthiraptera Lepidoptera
Family Philopteridae Tineidae
Size 2-4 mm 7-11 mm body; 15-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South Asia, Worldwide in captive populations Europe, North America
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.

Large Pale Clothes Moth

A pale straw-colored clothes moth that is larger than the common webbing clothes moth. Its larvae prefer coarser animal fibers and are frequently found in old birds' nests.

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Did You Know?

It is more commonly associated with roof spaces and bird nests than with clothing in wardrobes.