Pigeon Bug vs Hairy Christmas Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pigeon Bug Hairy Christmas Beetle
Scientific Name Cimex columbarius Anoplognathus hirsutus
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Cimicidae Scarabaeidae
Size 4-5 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pigeon Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite of pigeons and doves found in nest sites and dovecotes across Europe. It can bite humans in buildings with pigeon infestations.

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Did You Know?

Removing pigeon nests from buildings without treating for these bugs often drives them indoors to bite residents.

Hairy Christmas Beetle

A densely hairy golden-brown Christmas beetle found in southeastern Australia. The fine hairs covering its body distinguish it from other Anoplognathus species.

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Did You Know?

The dense body hair is thought to help regulate temperature during cool summer evenings.