Lice are typically grayish white or tan in color.
Lice Color Details
The color of lice can vary depending on their life stage and whether they've recently fed:
- Adult Lice and Nymphs: Adult lice and nymphs (baby lice) are generally grayish white or tan.
- Blood-Filled Abdomen: If you look closely at an adult louse, you might see its abdomen filled with red human blood, which can affect its overall perceived color.
- Lice Eggs (Nits): Lice eggs, known as nits, are tiny and appear as yellow, tan, or brown dots before they hatch.
Summary of Lice Colors
| Stage | Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Lice | Grayish white/Tan | May appear reddish if recently fed due to blood in their abdomen |
| Nymphs | Grayish white/Tan | Baby lice, same color as adults |
| Nits | Yellow, Tan, Brown | Lice eggs attached to hair shafts |
Therefore, while lice can appear reddish after feeding, their primary colors are grayish white or tan.
