Brown Cockroach vs Human Head Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Brown Cockroach Human Head Louse
Scientific Name Periplaneta brunnea Pediculus humanus capitis
Order Blattodea Phthiraptera
Family Blattidae Pediculidae
Size 25-35 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Pantropical, southeastern United States Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Brown Cockroach

A glossy reddish-brown cockroach often confused with the American cockroach. It is slightly smaller with a more uniform color.

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Did You Know?

It glues its egg cases to surfaces rather than dropping them, unlike the American cockroach.

Human Head Louse

An obligate ectoparasite of the human scalp that feeds on blood several times per day. It spreads through direct head-to-head contact.

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Did You Know?

Head lice have co-evolved with humans for millions of years, and DNA analysis of lice has helped trace ancient human migration patterns.