Body Louse (Nymph)

Found on humans, specifically in clothing and bedding of individuals who cannot wash or change clothes regularly.

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Unlike head lice, they live and lay eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing, only moving onto the skin to feed. They prefer cool environments and are sensitive to high temperatures.

High risk to human health; they can transmit serious bacterial diseases such as louse-borne typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation.