Body Louse

Typically found on clothing and bedding of infested humans, moving to the skin only to feed.

Strictly hematophagous; they feed exclusively on human blood multiple times a day.

They lay their eggs (nits) in the seams of clothing. They are highly dependent on human body warmth and will die if separated from their host for more than a few days.

High risk to human health as they are vectors for serious diseases including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. They cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.