How do clothing lice look on clothing? - briefly
Clothing lice appear as tiny, oval, translucent to light‑brown insects about 0.5–2 mm long, often seen as moving specks near seams, folds, or cuffs of fabric. Their legs and antennae may be visible as faint, wavy lines when the insects are disturbed.
How do clothing lice look on clothing? - in detail
Clothing lice, also known as Pediculus humanus corporis, are visible as small, flattened insects measuring 2–4 mm in length. Their bodies are oval, light‑brown to gray, and lack wings. The abdomen displays a series of fine, pale bands that become more pronounced when the insect is engorged with blood. Legs are short, six in total, ending in tiny claws that cling tightly to fibers. When a population infests a garment, clusters of lice appear as mottled spots, often concentrated near seams, cuffs, and pockets where skin contact is frequent.
Key visual indicators on fabric:
- Live lice: Tiny moving specks that dart quickly when the garment is disturbed; they may be seen crawling along seams or under folds.
- Eggs (nits): Oval, whitish or yellowish capsules attached firmly to fibers with a blunt end; they measure about 0.5 mm and are difficult to dislodge.
- Excrement: Small, dark specks resembling pepper grains, usually found near the base of the insect’s body or scattered across the material.
- Skin debris: Tiny flakes of dried blood or epidermal cells that may accumulate around the infestation site, giving a faint reddish tint to the fabric.
The overall impression is a subtle, uneven discoloration combined with microscopic movement. In dark or heavily woven textiles, the insects may be less apparent, requiring close inspection or a magnifying device. In light, loosely woven fabrics, the contrast between the lice’s coloration and the background makes detection easier.