Shaft Louse vs Goat Biting Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shaft Louse | Goat Biting Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menopon gallinae | Bovicola caprae |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Trichodectidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 1-2 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Shaft Louse
A fast-moving louse found on the feather shafts of chickens and other poultry. It feeds primarily on feather barbs and can cause significant plumage damage.
Did You Know?
Shaft lice can run so quickly across feathers that they are difficult to catch even with practiced fingers during bird examinations.
Goat Biting Louse
A chewing louse infesting domestic goats worldwide. It feeds on skin flakes and causes intense itching and coat damage.
Did You Know?
Angora goats are particularly susceptible because their long mohair provides an ideal habitat for these lice.