Where do human lice inhabit? - briefly
Human lice reside on the scalp, body hair, and in the seams of clothing, where they attach to hair shafts and skin to feed on blood. They are most common in the hair behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and in garments that provide a warm, protected environment.
Where do human lice inhabit? - in detail
Human lice occupy specific anatomical and environmental niches that support their life cycles.
The head‑dwelling species (Pediculus humanus capitis) lives on the scalp, attaching its eggs (nits) to hair shafts near the scalp surface. Adult insects feed on blood from the scalp skin and remain on the head, rarely venturing elsewhere.
The body‑dwelling species (Pediculus humanus corporis) inhabits clothing and the seams of garments that cover the torso, groin, and underarms. It lays eggs on fabric fibers, and nymphs emerge to move onto the skin only to feed. This form thrives in crowded, unsanitary conditions where clothing is not regularly washed at temperatures above 60 °C.
The crab louse (Pthirus pubis) prefers coarse body hair, most commonly the pubic region, but can also be found on axillary, facial, and chest hair. It clings to hair shafts close to the skin, feeding several times daily.
Key locations supporting lice survival include:
- Scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows – for head lice
- Clothing seams, underwear, socks, bed linens – for body lice
- Pubic, axillary, facial, and chest hair – for crab lice
Environmental factors influencing habitation are temperature (optimal range 28–32 °C), humidity (60–80 %), and close human contact that facilitates transfer. Regular laundering, personal hygiene, and avoidance of shared clothing reduce the availability of these habitats.