Louse egg (Nit)

Natural Habitat

The scalp and hair shafts of human hosts, most commonly found behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

Diet & Feeding

Head lice at the nymph and adult stages feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Nits are laid by female lice and glued firmly to the hair shaft. They take about 6-9 days to hatch. Adult lice cannot fly or jump and are spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to louse saliva, and secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit bacterial or viral diseases. There are no ecological benefits to humans.

Identified on: 3/26/2026