Louse
ExploreInsects
Louse
Pediculus humanus
Lice are tiny insects that live on the hair of animals and people. They like to suck blood to survive but don't cause serious harm.
Habitat: Hair of animals and humans
Appearance
The Louse is a tiny, flat, oval-shaped insect, typically grayish-white or brownish, which helps it blend into hair. It has six strong legs, each ending in a hook-like claw perfect for grasping onto hair strands.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderPhthirapteraFamilyPediculidaeGenusPediculus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female louse can lay over 100 tiny eggs during her short lifetime!
Ancient Egyptians had special combs and tools just to get rid of bothersome lice!
Lice are very fast crawlers, but they can't jump or fly at all!
Lice can sometimes change their color slightly to better match the hair they live on!
Special abilities
Ability
Clingy Claws
Louse has powerful pincer-like claws on its legs that help them grip onto hair, preventing them from falling off their host.
Ability
Blood Banquet
Louse can pierce skin with its mouthparts to suck tiny amounts of blood, which provides all the nutrition they need to survive.
Ability
Hair Hideout
Louse has a flattened, translucent body that allows it to blend seamlessly with the hair and skin of its host, making it hard to spot.
Ability
Super Glue Eggs
Louse lays its tiny eggs (nits) and glues them firmly to hair strands, ensuring they stay safely attached until they hatch.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 2-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 28-32 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These tiny insects drink blood from their hosts to survive and grow.
Primary Foods
- human blood
- mammal blood
- bird blood
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Human
Homo sapiens
Feeds on blood from the scalp and body, causing itching and irritation.
parasitizes
Dog
Canis familiaris
Dog chewing lice irritate skin and fur, sometimes feeding on dead skin.
parasitizes
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Bird lice irritate sparrows by feeding on feathers, skin flakes, or blood.
hunts
Predatory Mite
Cheyletus eruditus
This mite preys on lice and their eggs, helping to control their populations.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Parasitic
This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Body LouseHead LousePubic Louse
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you have lice, tell an adult so they can help you get rid of them safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Louse?
2-3 mm
How long does Louse live?
28-32 days
What does Louse eat?
These tiny insects drink blood from their hosts to survive and grow.
Where is Louse usually found?
Hair of animals and humans
How many legs does Louse have?
6
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