Louse (likely Head Louse)
Scientific Name: 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.
Identified on: 3/25/2026