This is one of several scanning electron micrographic (SEM) images successively magnified at higher and higher values, which focuse on the head region of a female body louse, Pediculus humanus var. corporis from a ventral perspective. At a relatively low magnification, this SEM reveals some of the insect's exoskeletal morphology exhibited by its cephalic, or head region, thoracic, and proximal abdominal regions. Of interest is the jointed configuration of its six extremities, from which it derives its classification in the phylum of Athropoda, (i.e., Arthro from "joint", and poda from "leg"). Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans.