They are one of many lice in the order Phthiraptera, but are divided from their blood sucking cousins in the sub-order Anoplura by the fact that they feed only by chewing.

The abdomen has dark transverse bands that run horizontally across each segment along with sparse amounts of setae (hair-like structures).

[3][4] Bovicola bovis parasitize cattle of any age and size and have not been documented on alternative vertebrates.

The common places on the cattle that the louse can be found are the head, neck, back, and the rear end.

The louse is also mostly found in the winter and early spring because that is when the hair of the host is longest and the cattle have not started shedding yet.

This can happen for about two weeks until the louse becomes too old and soon after it loses fertility and the ability to lay eggs, it dies.

The presence of the louse can also result in reduced milk production and poor weight gain.

The main reason that these two industries are the ones affected is that the louse causes reduction in weight gain and milk production.

Because the louse is so prominent in North America, very much of the cattle are affected and must be carefully treated and looked after.

This fungus is used to prevent the louse from multiplying to levels that cause major health problems.