Pediculidae

Pronunciation
/PED-i-koo-li-DEH/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Pediculidae
Plural
Pediculidae

Definition

A family of parasitic lice found on various terrestrial animals, including humans. They are obligate ectoparasites, meaning they must live on a host to survive.

Full guide

Read the full Pediculidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.

Etymology

From Latin 'pediculus', meaning 'louse'.

Example

The Pediculidae family includes several species that infest humans, such as Pediculus humanus capitis, the human head louse.

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