What do lice look like in the early stage? - briefly
In the first nymphal instar, lice are 1–2 mm long, translucent to pale brown, with an oval body and three pairs of short legs. They lack wings and have a smooth exoskeleton that darkens with each successive molt.
What do lice look like in the early stage? - in detail
Lice in the first developmental stage are called nymphs. They are smaller than adult insects, measuring approximately 1 mm in length. Their bodies are elongated, flattened laterally, and covered with a translucent, pale‑yellow exoskeleton that becomes slightly more opaque as they molt.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Head and eyes: The head is proportionally large, bearing two simple compound eyes that appear as tiny dark spots. Antennae are short, three‑segmented, and lightly pigmented.
- Mouthparts: Piercing‑sucking proboscis is visible as a short, needle‑like structure at the front of the head, adapted for feeding on blood.
- Legs: Six legs are present, each ending in a claw that allows the nymph to grasp hair shafts. Legs are slender and pale, with visible joints.
- Abdomen: The abdomen consists of seven visible segments, each with faint, lightly sclerotized plates. No distinct coloration patterns are evident at this stage.
Species variations:
- Head‑lice nymphs (Pediculus humanus capitis) tend to be lighter in color, with a more translucent cuticle.
- Body‑lice nymphs (Pediculus humanus humanus) often exhibit a slightly darker hue due to a thicker cuticle, reflecting their adaptation to clothing fibers rather than hair.
Location on the host:
- Head‑lice nymphs are found close to the scalp, usually near the base of hair shafts.
- Body‑lice nymphs reside in seams of clothing, emerging to feed on exposed skin.
These morphological details enable identification of lice in their earliest phase, facilitating timely intervention.