Lice (singular: louse), are wingless insects that live in hair. They are all external parasites on every species of bird and most mammalian orders. They are not found on Monotremes and a few eutherian orders, namely bats (Chiroptera), whales, dolphins and porpoises (Cetacea) and pangolins (Pholidota). There are more than 3,000 different species; three are classified as human lice.
Louse
Questions and Answers
Q: What are lice?
A: Lice are wingless insects that exist as external parasites on various mammalian orders and every species of bird.
Q: Where do lice live?
A: Lice live in hair.
Q: Are there any mammalian orders where lice are not found?
A: Yes, lice are not found on Monotremes and a few eutherian orders, namely bats (Chiroptera), whales, dolphins and porpoises (Cetacea) and pangolins (Pholidota).
Q: How many species of lice are there?
A: There are more than 3,000 different species of lice.
Q: Are there any humans that have lice?
A: Yes, three species of lice are classified as human lice.
Q: What do lice feed on?
A: Lice are external parasites and feed on the blood of their host.
Q: Do lice have wings?
A: No, lice are wingless insects.