What else can lice be called? - briefly
Lice are commonly known as pediculids, with specific names such as head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), the latter often called “crabs.”
What else can lice be called? - in detail
Lice are commonly known by several alternative designations that vary by species, region, and context. The most frequently encountered terms include:
- Pediculus – the genus name applied to head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus).
- Phthirus – the genus for pubic lice, also called Phthirus pubis.
- Nits – the egg stage of any lice species; the term is sometimes used colloquially to refer to the insects themselves.
- Crab lice – a colloquial label for pubic lice, referencing their crab‑like appearance.
- Scabies mites – occasionally confused with lice, though scientifically distinct; the misnomer persists in lay discussions.
- Parasites – a generic classification encompassing all lice, emphasizing their obligate relationship with a host.
- Human ectoparasites – a formal term used in medical literature to denote lice that infest humans.
- Sucking insects – a descriptive phrase highlighting the feeding mechanism of lice.
Regional vernacular adds further variety. In some English‑speaking areas, head lice are called “head bugs,” while body lice may be referred to as “clothes lice.” Historical texts sometimes use “lice” interchangeably with “lice‑infested” to denote an infestation.
Scientific nomenclature remains the most precise method for identification. Each species receives a binomial name (e.g., Pediculus humanus capitis), which eliminates ambiguity across languages and disciplines. When communicating with non‑specialists, employing the common terms listed above ensures clarity while maintaining accuracy.