Body Louse (or Head Louse) Egg Nits

Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus humanus (or Pediculus humanus capitis)

Order & Family: Phthiraptera; Pediculidae

Size: 0.5 mm to 1 mm (for the eggs/nits)

Body Louse (or Head Louse) Egg Nits

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on humans; body lice live in clothing and bedding, while head lice live on the scalp.

Diet & Feeding

Blood (obligate ectoparasites); they feed on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Body lice lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing and move to the skin to feed. They are spread through direct contact or sharing infested clothes and bedding.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching, skin rashes, and secondary infections. Body lice (unlike head lice) can transmit serious diseases such as epidemic typhus and trench fever. No ecological benefits.

Identified on: 1/8/2026