Body louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found on clothing and bedding of humans, visiting the skin only to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous; they feed on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are highly dependent on human warmth. They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing rather than on hair. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

Risks & Benefits

Significant health risk; they are vectors for serious diseases including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. Infestations cause intense itching and skin rashes (pediculosis).

Identified on: 3/16/2026