Community identification
Head louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair, specifically clinging to hair shafts near the warmth of the skin
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders; they consume human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Wingless insects that cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. Females lay eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching (allergic reaction to saliva), sores from scratching, and secondary bacterial infections. They do not transmit diseases.