Community identification
Inconclusive - Possible Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis (potential identification)
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea; Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2mm to 3mm (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The scalp and hair of human beings, frequently behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. They cement their eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts. They cannot survive for more than 24-48 hours away from a human host.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching (allergic reaction to saliva), irritability, and secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They do not spread disease. There are no ecological benefits as they are specialized human parasites.