Singing Water Boatman vs Cattle Biting Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Singing Water Boatman Cattle Biting Louse
Scientific Name Micronecta scholtzi Bovicola bovis
Order Hemiptera Phthiraptera
Family Corixidae Trichodectidae
Size 2 mm 1.5-2 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Singing Water Boatman

The loudest animal relative to body size on Earth. This 2 mm aquatic bug produces mating calls reaching 99.2 decibels by rubbing its genitalia against its abdomen.

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Did You Know?

This tiny water bug produces 99 dB of sound by stridulating with its penis — making it the loudest animal relative to body size, and earning it a Guinness World Record.

Cattle Biting Louse

A chewing louse that infests cattle worldwide, causing irritation and economic losses in livestock. Infestations worsen in winter when cattle have thick coats.

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Did You Know?

Winter infestations of this louse can cause cattle to rub and scratch so intensely that they damage fences and lose significant weight.