Louse (likely Head Louse or Body Louse)

Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus

Order & Family: Order: Psocodea (Suborder: Anoplura); Family: Pediculidae

Size: 2mm to 4mm in length

Louse (likely Head Louse or Body Louse)

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.

Identified on: 2/15/2026