Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Found on humans, specifically living in the seams of clothing and bedding and moving to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous (feeds exclusively on human blood).

Behavior Patterns

Body lice lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing rather than on the hair. They are most common in crowded living conditions where regular laundering of clothes is difficult.

Risks & Benefits

Significant health risk as they are vectors for several serious diseases, including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. Intense itching can also lead to secondary skin infections.

Identified on: 1/12/2026