What do small white lice look? - briefly
Small white lice are tiny, wingless insects about 1–2 mm long, with a translucent, oval body and pale or white coloration that makes them appear almost invisible on light-colored hair or fabrics. Their legs are short and six‑jointed, ending in tiny claws for clinging to host strands.
What do small white lice look? - in detail
Small white lice are typically 0.5–2 mm in length, with a soft, elongated body that tapers toward the rear. Their exoskeleton is pale, ranging from translucent white to a faint gray, allowing underlying tissues to be partially visible. The head bears a pair of short, slender antennae, each composed of six segments; the basal segments are thicker, while the terminal segments end in fine sensory hairs. Compound eyes are reduced or absent, reflecting their adaptation to a protected, often dim environment.
The thorax supports three pairs of legs, each leg ending in clawed tarsi that grasp hair shafts or feathers. Legs are slender, with visible joints and small spines that aid in locomotion. The abdomen consists of six visible segments, each bearing minute setae that give a fuzzy appearance. In the nymphal stage, the abdomen may appear more translucent, while mature individuals develop a slightly thicker cuticle.
Key visual characteristics:
- Size: half a millimeter to two millimeters.
- Color: almost colorless, sometimes with a faint gray hue.
- Body shape: elongated, slightly flattened laterally.
- Antennae: six‑segmented, ending in sensory hairs.
- Legs: three pairs, clawed tarsi, fine spines.
- Abdomen: six segmented, covered with short setae.
These traits distinguish tiny white lice from other ectoparasites such as fleas or mites, which generally display darker pigmentation, broader bodies, or more robust leg structures. The combination of minute size, pale translucence, and specific leg and antenna morphology defines their appearance in detail.