Poultry Bug vs American Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Poultry Bug American Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Haematosiphon inodorus Panorpa nuptialis
Order Hemiptera Mecoptera
Family Cimicidae Panorpidae
Size 4-5 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Parasites Fruit Feeders
Regions North America Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Poultry Bug

A cimicid ectoparasite of poultry native to North America that is closely related to bed bugs. Heavy infestations can cause anemia and reduced egg production in chickens.

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Did You Know?

Its natural hosts are cliff-nesting raptors, but it has adapted to parasitize domestic poultry.

American Scorpionfly

A large scorpionfly found in the southeastern United States with prominent wing spots. Males engage in elaborate courtship rituals involving nuptial gifts.

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Did You Know?

This species was key to discovering that nuptial gift-giving in scorpionflies helps males avoid being eaten by females.