Sample Collection
Head louse specimens were collected through collaborations including both scientific researchers and the non-scientific community (head louse removing clinics). In this study, we included a total of 377 specimens collected worldwide and DNA extractions that were previously collected and stored in Reed lab, Florida Museum of Natural History at University of Florida, USA from Ascunce et al. 2013 publication. The samples that were included in this study are summarized in Table 1. A special focus was made in the classification and selection of individual lice collected from different human heads, to maximize the genetic sampling within an area. All specimens were stored in 95% ethanol at -80ÂșC prior to DNA extractions.
Table 1: Geographic localities and the number of head louse samples included in this
study