Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on human clothing, particularly along seams and inner surfaces, moving to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood feeders, consuming human blood multiple times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They spend most of their life cycle on clothing, where they also lay their eggs (nits). They prefer crowded living conditions and poor hygiene settings where clothing is not frequently changed or washed.

Risks & Benefits

High risk to human health; they are vectors for serious diseases including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation.

Identified on: 1/6/2026