Community identification
Louse (likely Head Louse)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Exclusively inhabits the human scalp and hair, remaining close to the skin for warmth and food.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. They cement their eggs (nits) to hair shafts, and the life cycle from egg to adult takes about 3 weeks.
Risks & Benefits
They cause scalp irritation, itching, and potential secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases. There are no ecological benefits to humans.