Pediculus humanus corporis

Name

Latin: pediculus = small foot, humanus = human, corpus = body; French: pou, German: Kleiderlaus.

Synonyms

Human body louse; Pediculus humanus

General Information

This louse is larger than P. h. capitis reaching a length of about 4.5 mm (Figs. 1 and 2). The mean time for the development of one generation takes about 15–25 days; lower temperatures increase the time needed. Body lice suck all 5 h; however, they may starve much longer than head lice, which survive 1–2 days at the maximum (mostly much less). Body lice starve for 10 days (at 0–6 °C), 7 days (at 10–20 °C), 2 days at (25–30 °C), but only 1 day at 35–37 °C. Body lice are important vectors of agents of diseases, e.g., Rickettsia prowazeki (agent of louse-borne spotted typhus), Prowazek.

Fig. 1

Scanning electron micrograph of a female body louse and some nits on clothing