A louse cannot hop or jump. They are usually transmitted through close personal contact. This could happen while standing in a crowded bus or waiting in line next to an infested individual. Such an infestation could be temporary and may even go unnoticed if the person acquiring lice under these circumstances practices good hygienic habits. Human lice cannot survive for long when separated from their host.
Legs have claws that are adapted for clinging to hair or clothing.
The eggs of lice, called nits, are small, oval, white or cream colored objects with a distinct cap on one end. The head louse and body louse are identical in appearance. However, they are distinctly different in their behavior. Increased sexual promiscuity has contributed to the growing incidence of pubic or crab lice problems. These lice occur most of the time in the pubic or perianal areas but can be found on eyelashes, eyebrows or other coarse-haired areas.