Body louse

Natural Habitat

Found on humans, specifically residing and laying eggs in the seams of clothing and bedding; they only move to the skin to feed.

Diet & Feeding

Strictly hematophagous (feeds on human blood) several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Life cycle includes egg (nit), nymph, and adult stages. They are typically associated with crowded living conditions where regular laundering of clothes and bathing are unavailable.

Risks & Benefits

High risk; body lice are vectors for serious diseases including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and louse-borne relapsing fever. Infestations cause intense itching and skin thickening.

Identified on: 3/18/2026