Human Head Louse

Natural Habitat

External parasites on the human scalp and hair

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; exclusively feed on human blood several times a day

Behavior Patterns

Wingless insects that crawl but cannot jump or fly; they attach eggs (nits) to hair shafts near the scalp with a specialized glue-like substance

Risks & Benefits

Causes scalp itching and potential local inflammation; not known to transmit systemic diseases; primary risk is psychological distress or secondary skin infection from scratching

Identified on: 1/8/2026