Community identification
Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 to 3 mm in length (about the size of a sesame seed).
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair, specifically near the warmth of the neck and behind the ears.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. Eggs (nits) are glued to hair shafts near the scalp. They struggle to survive more than 24 hours away from a human host.
Risks & Benefits
They cause scalp itching (pruritus) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases but are considered a significant social and public health nuisance.