Where are lice bred? - briefly
Lice deposit their eggs on the hair or feathers of the host they infest, and the nymphs mature there until reaching adulthood. The host’s body therefore supplies the entire environment needed for their development.
Where are lice bred? - in detail
Lice reproduce primarily on their hosts, where temperature, humidity, and shelter meet the species’ requirements. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) lay eggs on hair shafts close to the scalp; the warmth of the body and the protective cover of hair create an optimal micro‑environment for embryonic development. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) deposit eggs in the seams of clothing, especially in garments that remain in close contact with the skin for extended periods; the combination of fabric folds and body heat facilitates hatching and nymph maturation. Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) attach to coarse hair in the genital region, where the density of hair and the stable temperature provide suitable conditions for oviposition and growth.
In animal hosts, various lice species colonize fur, feathers, or skin folds. For example, sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) lay nits on wool fibers, exploiting the insulating layer to maintain moisture and temperature. Bird lice (e.g., Menacanthus spp.) embed eggs in feather barbs, relying on the bird’s body heat and the protective structure of feathers. Rodent lice (Polyplax spp.) prefer the dense fur of their hosts, depositing eggs near the skin where humidity is highest.
Environmental factors that support lice breeding include:
- Temperature: 30–35 °C for most human lice; slightly lower for some animal species.
- Relative humidity: 70–80 % maintains egg viability and prevents desiccation of nymphs.
- Shelter: Hair shafts, clothing seams, feather barbs, or fur provide protection from physical removal and predators.
- Host proximity: Continuous contact with the host ensures a steady supply of blood meals for developing nymphs.
These conditions converge on the host’s body or immediate attire, making the host itself the principal breeding site for lice across species.