Community identification
Louse (likely Head Louse or Body Louse)
Pediculus humanus
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (Suborder: Anoplura); Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2mm to 4mm in length
Natural Habitat
Exclusively inhabits the human body, specifically the scalp/hair (head louse) or clothing/seams (body louse)
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Wingless and crawl using specialized claws to grasp hair or fabric. They cannot jump or fly. They pass through three life stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. They are highly contagious and spread through direct contact or shared personal items.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Causes intense itching and irritation from saliva; body lice can transmit diseases such as typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. Benefits: None to humans or the ecosystem.