Head louse

Scientific name: Pediculus humanus Linnaeus
(Phthiraptera: Pediculidae)

Facts: Sucking lice are small, flat, wingless parasites. The mouthparts are formed for piercing and sucking. They feed on blood of the host which is usually a mammal. The human louse has two subspecies, the body louse and the head louse. Head lice are usually found only on the head. They are up to 3.5 mm long.

Photo credit: Beverly Sparks