Body Louse

Typically found on human clothing, particularly in the seams and folds of garments worn close to the skin. They move to the skin only to feed.

Exclusively human blood; they are obligate hematophagous parasites.

Body lice lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing. They are highly dependent on human body warmth and frequent feeding. Unlike head lice, they spend most of their time in clothing rather than on the body.

Risks: They are vectors for several serious bacterial diseases, including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin irritation. Benefits: None.