Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Inhabits the clothing and bedding of human hosts; primarily found in crowded living conditions with poor hygiene.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophage; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They live in clothing seams and only move to the skin to feed. They lay eggs (nits) in the fibers of clothing rather than on hair. They spread through direct physical contact or sharing infested garments.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can transmit serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching (pediculosis) and skin irritation. No ecological benefits to humans.

Identified on: 12/30/2025