What do lice nymphs look like? - briefly
Lice nymphs are tiny, oval‑shaped insects about 1–2 mm long, with a translucent to light‑brown body and undeveloped wings and genitalia. Their legs and antennae resemble those of adults, but they lack fully formed reproductive structures.
What do lice nymphs look like? - in detail
Lice immature forms, known as nymphs, resemble miniature adults but display several distinctive characteristics. Their bodies are flattened, facilitating movement through hair shafts, and measure between 0.5 mm and 1 mm depending on species and developmental stage. The exoskeleton is semi‑transparent, allowing the underlying hemolymph to give a pale, sometimes slightly yellowish hue. As they molt through three instars, each successive stage gains size and a more defined coloration.
- First instar: Approximately 0.5 mm long, almost colorless, with a delicate, soft cuticle. Legs are proportionally longer relative to body length, aiding initial attachment to the host.
- Second instar: Length increases to about 0.7 mm; the cuticle thickens and acquires a faint gray‑brown tint. Legs become sturdier, and the head capsule shows modest sclerotization.
- Third instar: Approaches adult dimensions (0.8–1 mm). The body darkens to a medium brown, and the dorsal surface exhibits faint patterning that mirrors adult markings. Antennae and mouthparts are fully formed, ready for blood feeding.
All nymphal stages possess six legs equipped with clawed tarsi that grip individual hair strands. The ventral side bears a pair of spiracles for respiration, visible as tiny openings near the posterior abdomen. Mouthparts consist of a piercing‑sucking stylet, though feeding efficiency improves with each molt. The overall morphology ensures the nymph remains well‑adapted to the host’s environment while it progresses toward sexual maturity.