Community identification
Head louse (nit)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits (eggs) are 0.8 mm; adults are 2-3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed).
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair shafts, particularly behind the ears and near the neckline.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Nits are glued to hair shafts near the scalp. Moving adults crawl quickly but cannot jump or fly; they are spread through direct head-to-head contact.
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching (pruritus) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; they do not spread bacterial or viral diseases but are a significant public health nuisance.