Human Head Louse

Found exclusively on the human scalp, where they attach to hair follicles near the skin for warmth and access to blood.

Strictly hematophagous; they feed on human blood multiple times a day.

They are wingless and cannot jump; they spread through direct head-to-head contact. Females lay eggs (nits) and glue them to hair shafts. They undergo simple metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).

They cause intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While they are a nuisance and can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching, they are not known vectors of disease. There are no ecological benefits.