Body Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on human clothing and bedding, only moving to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous (feeds on human blood) several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing and are most prevalent in crowded, unsanitary conditions where clothing is not frequently laundered.

Risks & Benefits

Significant health risk; they can transmit life-threatening diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They have no known ecological benefits.

Identified on: 1/12/2026