Louse egg (Nit)

Natural Habitat

Attached to human hair shafts, commonly near the scalp, ears, and nape of the neck.

Diet & Feeding

The egg (nit) does not eat; hatched lice feed on human blood using sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

The female louse glues eggs to individual hairs. Eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days into nymphs, which mature into adults in about another week. They are transmitted through direct contact.

Risks & Benefits

While not a vector for major diseases, they cause intense itching (pruritus), potential secondary skin infections from scratching, and significant social/psychological distress.

Identified on: 4/26/2026