What are lice that live on humans called? - briefly
The parasites that infest humans are called head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis). Both belong to the species Pediculus humanus.
What are lice that live on humans called? - in detail
Human‑infesting lice are ectoparasitic insects belonging to the order Phthiraptera. Three species regularly parasitize people:
- Pediculus humanus capitis – the head louse, found on the scalp and hair shafts.
- Pediculus humanus corporis – the body louse, inhabits clothing seams and moves to the skin to feed.
- Pthirus pubis – commonly called the pubic or crab louse, prefers the coarse hair of the genital region, but may also colonize axillary, facial, or abdominal hair.
All three share a dorsoventrally flattened body, six legs, and a life cycle of egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Eggs are glued to hair shafts with a cementing substance; incubation lasts 7–10 days. Nymphal stages require 9–12 days to reach maturity, during which each must obtain a blood meal. Adults survive up to 30 days on a host and feed several times daily.
Transmission occurs through direct head‑to‑head contact for the scalp species, while body lice spread via contaminated clothing or bedding. Pubic lice are transmitted primarily by sexual contact, though indirect transfer through towels or clothing is possible.
Clinical signs include itching caused by saliva injection, visible nits attached to hair, and, for body lice, secondary skin lesions from prolonged feeding. Infestations are diagnosed by visual inspection of live insects or attached nits.
Effective management relies on topical pediculicides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide), oral ivermectin for resistant cases, and thorough washing of clothing, bedding, and personal items at temperatures above 50 °C or by sealing in plastic for two weeks. Regular follow‑up examinations confirm eradication.
Understanding the taxonomy, biology, and control measures of these three human‑specific lice ensures accurate identification and appropriate treatment.