Lice are host specific parasitic insects. All life stages feed on blood. The different developmental stages, including the eggs, are easy to see. Lice cause intense itching in affected areas and pink papules. To order an info sheet on lice, go to the Bohart Museum info page .
Fleas only feed on humans and other mammals in the adult stage.
The larvae are scavengers in animal nests or carpets. Flea bites produce itchy papules, often in groups of three, the so-called breakfast, lunch and dinner configuration. Human fleas are relatively uncommon. The most likely species to bite humans are the cat flea, Ctenocephalis felix, or the rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis. To order an info sheet on lice, go to the Bohart Museum info page .