Louse (likely human head louse)

Exclusively inhabits the human scalp and hair, clinging to individual hair shafts; survives only vertically close to a host.

Obligate hematophagy (feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day).

Wingless insects that cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling from hair to hair. They lay eggs (nits) glued firmly to the base of hair shafts near the scalp for warmth.

Risks include intense itching (allergic reaction to saliva), skin irritation, and possible secondary bacterial infections from scratching. Unlike body lice, head lice are not known to transmit systemic diseases.