Body Louse / Head Louse

Natural Habitat

The human body, primarily residing in hair (head louse) or clothing/bedding (body louse).

Diet & Feeding

Blood; they are obligate ectoparasites that feed on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and cannot jump; they move by crawling. They lay eggs, known as nits, which are glued to hair shafts or clothing fibers.

Risks & Benefits

They cause intense itching and skin irritation. Body lice can transmit serious diseases like typhus, though head lice are generally not vectors for disease.

Identified on: 1/9/2026