Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Found on human clothing, particularly along seams that touch the skin. They only move to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages: they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They live and lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing. They are typically associated with crowded conditions or lack of hygiene. Unlike head lice, they can survive up to a week away from a host on discarded clothing.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Causes intense itching and skin rashes (pediculosis). They are significant vectors for several diseases, including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. There are no ecological benefits to humans.

Identified on: 1/13/2026