Trichodectes octomaculatus, also known as the raccoon louse, is a species of animal lice that parasitizes raccoons and their North American subspecies (Eichler & Nordalm 1948). It is recognizable by the eight dark, circular spots on its broad head. Females can reach a size of up to 1.32 mm (Paine). The entire life cycle of the raccoon louse, like all lice, occurs entirely on the host. The life cycle includes three molts. A heavy infestation of the host can result in feeding marks on the fur, intense itching, and consequently hair loss (Lucius et al. 2018).

Human pathogenicity: Lice are highly host-specific. There are no known cases of humans being infested with Trichodectes octomaculatus (Lucius et al. 2018).