Head Louse

Natural Habitat

Human hair, particularly behind the ears and near the nape of the neck.

Diet & Feeding

Human blood (they are obligate blood feeders).

Behavior Patterns

Head lice spend their entire lives on the human scalp, feeding multiple times a day. They cannot fly or jump, and typically spread through direct head-to-head contact or, less commonly, through shared items like combs, hats, or hair accessories. Females lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Head lice infestations (pediculosis capitis) can cause intense itching, scalp irritation, and secondary bacterial infections due to scratching. They do not transmit diseases. Benefits: There are no known benefits of head lice to humans or ecosystems; they are solely parasites.

Identified on: 10/18/2025