Scanning electron micrographic (SEM) of a female body louse, Pediculus humanus var. corporis from a ventral perspective.
Scanning electron micrographic (SEM) of a female body louse, Pediculus humanus var. corporis from a ventral perspective. At a relatively low magnification, this SEM revealed some of the insect’s exoskeletal morphology exhibited by its cephalic, or head region, thoracic, and proximal abdominal regions. Of interest is the jointed configuration of its six extremities, from which it derived its classification in the phylum of Athropoda, , Arthrofrom "joint”, and poda from "leg"). Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races. Body lice infestations spread rapidly under crowded conditions where hygiene is poor and there is frequent contact among people. Are body lice infestations common in the United States? Body lice are found only in homeless, transient populations who don't have access to changes of clothes or bath. Infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and who regularly has access to freshly laundered clothing and bedding.
Size: 2835px × 1927px
Photo credit: © The Syndicate / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: body, corporis, electron, female, humanus, louse, micrographic, pediculus, perspective., scanning, var., ventral
