What is lice food and mode of taking food?

Lice Food:

Lice are obligate ectoparasites, meaning that they must feed on the blood of their hosts to survive. All three main types of lice (head lice, body lice, and pubic lice) feed on human blood.

Mode of Taking Food:

1. Piercing Mouthparts: Lice have specialized piercing mouthparts called styletts. These styletts are used to penetrate the skin of the host and reach the blood vessels.

2. Probing for Blood: Once the lice have pierced the skin, they probe around until they find a blood vessel. They then insert their styletts into the blood vessel and begin to feed.

3. Rapid Feeding: Lice feed quickly, often taking in a blood meal that is several times their own body weight. A single lice can feed multiple times a day.

4. Saliva: During feeding, lice inject saliva into the host's skin. This saliva contains anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting, allowing the lice to feed more easily.

5. Blood Digestion: The blood ingested by lice is digested within their digestive system. The digested nutrients are used for growth, development, and reproduction.

It's important to note that lice can transmit certain diseases, such as epidemic typhus (caused by body lice) and relapsing fever (caused by body and head lice). These diseases are more prevalent in areas with poor hygiene and overcrowding.