What do domestic laundry lice look like? - briefly
Domestic laundry lice are tiny, wingless insects about 1–2 mm long, with a flattened, oval, gray‑brown body, six legs and short antennae.
What do domestic laundry lice look like? - in detail
Domestic laundry lice are minute, wingless insects that inhabit fabrics and linens in residential settings. Adults measure approximately 2–3 mm in length, with an elongated, slightly flattened body. Their coloration ranges from pale grayish‑white to a light brown hue, often matching the shade of the host textile, which aids concealment.
The head is small, bearing a pair of compound eyes and short, bristle‑like antennae that extend forward. Mouthparts are adapted for piercing and sucking, consisting of a slender proboscis. The thorax supports three pairs of legs, each ending in clawed tarsi that enable the louse to grasp fibers securely. Legs are relatively short, positioned laterally, and covered with fine setae that increase tactile sensitivity.
Abdomen segments are clearly delineated, with the posterior segment ending in a tiny, backward‑pointing hook used for anchoring during feeding. In nymphal stages, individuals are translucent and slightly smaller, retaining the same general shape but lacking fully developed pigmentation and setae.
Key visual cues for identification include:
- Size: 2–3 mm (adult), 1.5 mm (nymph)
- Body shape: elongated, dorsoventrally flattened
- Color: pale gray‑white to light brown, often matching fabric
- Absence of wings
- Three pairs of short, clawed legs with fine hairs
- Prominent rear hook on the last abdominal segment
These characteristics distinguish household laundry lice from other textile pests such as carpet beetles or dust mites, which differ in body segmentation, leg count, and overall morphology. Accurate recognition facilitates appropriate control measures.