Swallow Louse Fly vs Common Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Swallow Louse Fly Common Barklouse
Scientific Name Ornithomya avicularia Cerastipsocus venosus
Order Diptera Psocoptera
Family Hippoboscidae Psocidae
Size 5-7 mm 4.0-6.0 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Swallow Louse Fly

A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.

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Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.

Common Barklouse

A large winged barklouse found in herds on tree trunks in eastern North America. It has prominent veined wings and feeds on algae and lichens.

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Did You Know?

These barklice form conspicuous herds of up to several hundred individuals that march across tree trunks in unison.