Pediculus humanus – larva specimen

France, Duong Thanh Haï

Insecta, Anoplura, Pediculidae. Apterous greyish flattened insect. Thorax has 3 pairs of equal legs, with claws. Louse depends strongly on its host, and feeds from 2 to 3 times a day. Here a fed larva. Adult stage is preceded by 3 larval stages. The whole metamorphosis process is completed within about 18 days.