Body Louse / Head Louse

Found exclusively on humans; head lice live on the scalp, while body lice live in clothing and move to the skin to feed.

Obligate blood feeders; they consume human blood several times a day.

They are wingless and crawl between hosts through direct contact. They lay eggs (nits) that glue to hair shafts or clothing fibers. They cannot jump or fly.

Risks include intense itching, allergic reactions to saliva, and secondary skin infections. Body lice specifically are vectors for diseases like typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. There are no known benefits to humans or the ecosystem.