What are small, wingless parasitic insects that live on warm-blooded animals called?

The correct answer is lice, which are small, wingless parasitic insects that specifically inhabit warm-blooded animals, including humans. Lice have adapted to become highly specialized in living on their hosts, feeding on blood and other fluids. They reproduce quickly and can inflict irritation and discomfort; infestations are often associated with close contact or shared items such as clothing or bedding.

Fleas, while also parasitic, are wingless but have the ability to jump and are primarily known for living on animals like cats and dogs. Bedbugs are another type of parasite but are not classified as insects that live on a host body like lice; instead, they dwell in mattresses and feed on human blood during the night. Ticks, while they do live on warm-blooded animals and are parasitic, are arachnids rather than insects and have different behaviors and habitats compared to lice. Hence, lice is the most accurate response to the inquiry about small, wingless parasitic insects specifically living on warm-blooded animals.