Where do lice bite? - briefly
Lice attach to the scalp, most often near the nape, behind the ears, and at the hairline, where they pierce the skin to feed. Their bites produce tiny, itchy red punctures.
Where do lice bite? - in detail
Lice feed by piercing the skin and sucking blood, so the bite occurs wherever their mouthparts can reach a suitable blood supply.
Head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) attach to hair shafts close to the scalp. Bites are most common on the sides and back of the head, behind the ears, at the hairline, and at the nape of the neck. These areas provide easy access for the insect to move between hairs and to reach the thin skin over the skull.
Body‑lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) live in the seams of clothing and crawl onto the body to feed. They preferentially bite exposed skin that is not covered by thick clothing, such as the shoulders, lower back, abdomen, hips, thighs, and the upper arms. Feeding sites are often near the waistline where clothing is tightest, allowing the louse to reach the skin through fabric.
Pubic‑lice (Phthirus pubis) prefer coarse hair. Bites occur primarily in the pubic region, but can also be found on the groin, perianal area, thighs, abdomen, chest, armpits, and facial hair (including beard and moustache) when suitable hair is present.
All three species create small, red, itchy papules at the bite site. The lesions may appear in clusters where multiple insects feed simultaneously, and they can become inflamed if scratched. The location of the bite directly reflects the louse’s habitat and the type of hair or clothing that provides a pathway to the skin.