Body Louse
Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus humanus
Order & Family: Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
Size: 2.5 to 3.5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Clothing and bedding of humans, particularly in conditions of overcrowding or poor hygiene
Diet & Feeding
Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood multiple times a day
Behavior Patterns
They live in the seams of clothing and only move to the skin to feed; they glue their eggs (nits) to clothing fibers rather than hair
Risks & Benefits
A significant public health risk as they are vectors for diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever
Identified on: 1/13/2026