Community identification
Head louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.1–3.3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Human scalp and hair
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Obligate ectoparasites that cannot jump or fly; they crawl from hair to hair via direct contact. Eggs (nits) are glued to hair shafts near the scalp.
Risks & Benefits
Causes scalp itching (pediculosis) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases, but are considered a public health nuisance.