Human Lice

Found exclusively on the human body, specifically the scalp (head lice) or body and clothing (body lice).

Lice are obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

They are wingless and move by crawling; they cannot jump or fly. They attach their eggs (nits) to hair shafts or clothing fibers. They survive for only 24-48 hours away from a human host.

Head lice cause itching and irritation but do not spread disease. Body lice can transmit serious diseases like typhus and trench fever. They offer no ecological benefits and are considered a nuisance or health risk.