
Community identification
Head louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 to 3 mm in length (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair, remaining close to the skin for warmth and food
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood feeders, consuming small amounts of human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Wingless insects that crawl but cannot hop or fly; they lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching and scalp irritation; do not transmit diseases but can lead to secondary bacterial infections from scratching