
Community identification
Body louse
Pediculus humanus humanus
- Order & Family
- Order Phthiraptera, Family Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.3 to 3.6 millimeters long.
Natural Habitat
Found exclusively on human clothing, moving to skin only to feed.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds exclusively on human blood taken through the skin.
Behavior Patterns
Spends most time clinging to clothing fibers, laying eggs in seams rather than directly on human hair.
Risks & Benefits
Transmits serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever.