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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: parasitic
Immatures: parasitic
Size: 2 to 4 mm
Flight : flightless
North American Species: 1
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Phthiraptera Pediculidae
Human body lice
Front Wings: absent
Hind Wings: absent
Mouthparts: sucking
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Pediculids are long, oval shaped lice. The head is a little narrower than the thorax, and the abdomen is relatively simple and unmodified. Live specimens are bluish-gray.
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Species: Pediculus humanus Linnaeus
Common Name: Human louse
Feeding Habits: The adults feed on human blood.
Distribution: Widespread in Canada.
Comments: This species lives on human bodies and can become common in situations where sanitation is poor or where large numbers of people are in close contact. There are at least a few outbreaks in public schools in large Canadian cities each year.
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