Body louse egg (nit)

Natural Habitat

Found on human clothing, specifically along seams or folds of fabric that are close to the skin.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly human blood; they must feed several times a day to survive.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike head lice, body lice live and lay their eggs on clothing and only move to the skin to feed. They are typically spread through direct physical contact or shared clothing and bedding.

Risks & Benefits

High risk to human health; they are vectors for serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and skin rashes (pediculosis).

Identified on: 1/30/2026