A small insect of the Pediculus genus, which sucks blood and lives on the skin as a parasite on animals and humans.
A small wingless insect that is an external parasite of man. Lice attach themselves to hair and clothing using their well-developed legs and claws. Their flattened leathery bodies are resistant to crushing and their mouthparts are adapted for sucking blood. Lice thrive in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions and they may transmit disease.