Shaft Louse vs Japanese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Shaft Louse Japanese Antlion
Scientific Name Menopon gallinae Hagenomyia micans
Order Phthiraptera Neuroptera
Family Menoponidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania Japan, Korea, Eastern China
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.

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Did You Know?

Shaft lice can run so quickly across feathers that they are difficult to catch even with practiced fingers during bird examinations.

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'