Who feeds on moose lice? - briefly
The ectoparasitic lice that live on moose are primarily consumed by microscopic predators such as predatory mites and the larvae of certain carrion‑associated flies. Larger vertebrates do not normally feed on these insects.
Who feeds on moose lice? - in detail
Moose ectoparasites are primarily consumed by arthropod predators and opportunistic scavengers. Predatory mites (family Laelapidae) inhabit the fur of moose and actively hunt lice, reducing parasite loads through direct predation. Rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) enter the hair coat while the animal rests and feed on lice and their eggs. Certain parasitoid flies, especially members of the Sarcophagidae, lay eggs on lice; the emerging larvae develop by consuming the host. Small carrion‑feeding birds such as the northern flicker and some warblers may briefly pick lice from moose during foraging, though this behavior is incidental rather than a primary food source. Mammalian predators do not target the parasites directly; instead, they may ingest lice incidentally while consuming moose tissue. Overall, the main consumers of moose lice are microscopic predators and beetles that exploit the host’s fur environment.