Head louse

Natural Habitat

Human scalp and hair, specifically close to the skin for warmth and feeding

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood multiple times a day

Behavior Patterns

Wingless and unable to jump; they spread through direct head-to-head contact. Females lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts

Risks & Benefits

Cause intense itching (pruritus) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; they are pests with no known ecological benefits to humans

Identified on: 6/27/2026