Peafowl Feather Louse vs Pubic Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peafowl Feather Louse Pubic Louse
Scientific Name Goniodes pavonis Pthirus pubis
Order Phthiraptera Phthiraptera
Family Philopteridae Pthiridae
Size 2-4 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Gardens Underground
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
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.

Pubic Louse

A broad, crab-shaped louse that infests coarse body hair, primarily in the pubic region. It is transmitted through intimate contact.

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Did You Know?

Pubic lice are more closely related to gorilla lice than to human head lice, suggesting an ancient host-switching event between primate species.