Human Body Lice

Family Pediculidae

Human louse (Pediculus humanus). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

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. 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.