What are lice attacking? - briefly
Lice are parasitic insects that pierce the skin of humans or animals to consume blood, primarily targeting the scalp, body hair, or feathers. Their feeding activity can cause itching, irritation, and secondary infections.
What are lice attacking? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that survive by feeding on the blood or skin debris of their hosts. The primary categories of lice each target distinct regions of a host’s body and specific host species.
Human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) inhabit the scalp, attaching their claws to hair shafts and piercing the skin to ingest blood. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) live in clothing seams and move to the skin to feed, often causing secondary infections. Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) reside in coarse body hair, such as the genital area, and similarly obtain nourishment from blood meals.
Other mammals host species‑specific lice. Cattle, sheep, and goats are infested by chewing lice (Mallophaga) that scrape skin scales and secretions. Dogs and cats carry both chewing and sucking lice, which may cause dermatitis, anemia, or irritations. Rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals harbor similar parasites, each adapted to the host’s fur density and body temperature.
Birds host a wide variety of lice, primarily chewing lice that consume feathers, epidermal debris, and skin oils. Infestations can impair flight, reduce insulation, and increase susceptibility to disease.
In summary, lice attack:
- Human scalp, clothing, and pubic hair
- Domestic livestock (cattle, sheep, goats)
- Companion animals (dogs, cats)
- Small mammals (rodents, rabbits)
- Avian species (wild and domestic birds)
Their feeding activity results in itching, skin lesions, and potential secondary infections, underscoring the need for prompt detection and control measures.