Shaft Louse vs Sod Webworm Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Shaft Louse | Sod Webworm Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Menopon gallinae | Crambus praefectellus |
| Order | Phthiraptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Menoponidae | Crambidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 18-22 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania | North America |
| 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.
Sod Webworm Moth
A small straw-colored moth that holds its wings tightly rolled around its body at rest, giving it a tubular appearance. Its larvae create silk-lined tunnels in lawn thatch.
Did You Know?
Homeowners often first notice them as small pale moths that flush up in clouds when walking across the lawn at dusk.