Solenopotes capillatus

Enderlein, 1904

Little Blue Cattle Louse, Tubercle-bearing Louse

Solenopotes capillatus is the smallest of the sucking lice that parasitize cattle. It is a relatively immobile with a worldwide distribution tied to domestic livestock. The species is most commonly found on the of its , particularly the . It is known by different in different regions: "little blue cattle " in the United States and "-bearing louse" in Australia.

Solenopotes capillatus by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Solenopotes capillatus: /soː.le.noːˈpoː.teːs kaˈpɪl.la.tus/

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Identification

Smallest of the five sucking lice occurring on cattle. Distinguished by its relatively immobile compared to other cattle . The species exhibits a blue coloration, referenced in its . Specific morphological features distinguishing it from other Linognathidae cattle lice require microscopic examination.

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Habitat

Restricted to areas with domestic livestock. Occurs on the body surface of animals, with strong preference for the region, particularly the .

Distribution

Worldwide distribution including Europe, Southern Africa, Asia-Temperate, Australasia, and Northern America. Distribution is closely tied to the presence of domestic cattle and other livestock .

Diet

Feeds on blood of animals.

Host Associations

  • cattle - primary main
  • Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) - documented in Israel
  • mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) - documented in Israel

Behavior

Relatively immobile compared to other cattle . Strong site fidelity to the and region of .

Ecological Role

of domestic and wild ungulates. Blood-feeding that may contribute to stress and reduced condition in heavy .

Human Relevance

Economic importance as a pest of cattle. Management considerations apply in livestock production systems.

Similar Taxa

  • Linognathus vituli (Long-nosed cattle louse)Larger of cattle; S. capillatus distinguished by smaller size and -site preference
  • Haematopinus eurysternus (Short-nosed cattle louse)Another cattle ; S. capillatus is smallest and least mobile of the five
  • Bovicola bovis (Cattle biting louse)Different suborder (/Ischnocera); S. capillatus is a () with piercing mouthparts rather than chewing mouthparts

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Sources and further reading