Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: parasitic
Immatures: parasitic

North American
Species: 1

Phthiraptera Pediculidae
Human body lice

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.

Comments: This family includes the head and body lice of humans. They are much less common now than in the past but are still large infestations of lice from time to time, especially in primary schools where children are in close contact.

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.