Community identification
Human Lice (Egg/Nit or Nymph stage)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits are around 0.8 mm; adults reach 2-3 mm.
Natural Habitat
The hair and scalp of humans, particularly near the base of the hair shaft.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They cannot jump or fly; they crawl and attach eggs (nits) to hair with a glue-like substance. They transfer through direct head-to-head contact.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, scalp irritation, and potential secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases but are a significant social and hygiene nuisance.