What insect is known for its ability to cause pediculosis?

Lice are the correct answer as they are directly responsible for causing pediculosis, which is an infestation of the hair and scalp or body by these parasitic insects. Lice are specialized to feed on human blood, and they can cause significant discomfort, itching, and secondary infections due to scratching. Pediculosis can manifest in different forms, such as head lice, body lice, and pubic lice, each of which can lead to various health issues and social stigma.

The other options do not cause pediculosis. While mosquitoes are known for transmitting diseases and causing itching from their bites, they do not infest the hair or body like lice. Fleas are external parasites that typically infest animals and can bite humans, leading to irritation but not pediculosis specifically. Ticks, similar to fleas, attach to animals or humans to feed on blood and can transmit diseases, but they do not cause pediculosis either. Hence, lice are uniquely categorized as the insects that lead to pediculosis.