Head Louse

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

Obligate hematophage: feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Wingless parasites that spread through direct head-to-head contact. Females lay tiny oval eggs (nits) and glue them firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. They cannot fly or jump, only crawl.

Risks: Infestation causes intense scalp itching, irritation, and potential secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They do not spread serious bacterial diseases, but cause distress and social stigma. Benefits: None to humans.