Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

What are lice classified as?

1. Winged insects

2. Wingless parasites

3. Wood-boring insects

4. Social insects living in colonies

The correct answer is: Wingless parasites

Lice are classified as wingless parasites because they belong to the order Phthiraptera, which consists of small, wingless insects that are specifically adapted to live on the bodies of animals, including humans. These insects have evolved to be obligate ectoparasites, meaning they depend on their host for survival, feeding on blood, skin, or other bodily fluids. Their winglessness is a key characteristic that supports their lifestyle; being unable to fly means they are more efficient at clinging to their hosts and avoiding environmental threats. The other classifications listed do not apply to lice. Winged insects possess wings that allow for flight, which lice do not have. Wood-boring insects, on the other hand, typically refer to insects that feed on wood, such as termites or carpenter ants, which is entirely different from the habits of lice. Lastly, social insects living in colonies, like bees or ants, often have complex societal structures and division of labor, which differs significantly from the life cycle and behavior of lice, that tend to be solitary in their parasitic habits.