Louse

Natural Habitat

Exclusively on the bodies of host animals or humans, often in hair, clothing, or feathers.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate parasites that feed on the blood of their host or on skin debris and secretions.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and crawl between hosts through direct contact; they lay eggs (nits) that glue firmly to hair shafts or clothing fibers.

Risks & Benefits

They cause intense itching and skin irritation. Some species, like body lice, are vectors for diseases such as typhus, while others are primarily a nuisance. They provide no known benefit to humans.

Identified on: 2/25/2026