Bug Identifier
Body louse
Community identification

Body louse

Pediculus humanus humanus

Order & Family
Order Phthiraptera, Family Pediculidae
Size
2.3 to 3.6 millimeters in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on human clothing and bedding, moving to the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds entirely on human blood through piercing and sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Spends its life cycle clinging to fabric fibers and lays eggs known as nits directly onto clothing.

Risks & Benefits

Acts as a vector for dangerous human pathogens such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever.