Human Head Louse

Natural Habitat

The scalp and hair of human beings, specifically near the nape of the neck and behind the ears.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Wingless insects that cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. Eggs (nits) are cemented to the hair shaft near the scalp. They spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact.

Risks & Benefits

While they cause intense itching (pruritus) and psychological distress, they are not known to transmit disease-causing pathogens. Potential risk includes secondary bacterial infections from scratching.

Identified on: 6/25/2026