Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (suborder Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.1–3.3 mm (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Exclusively the human scalp and hair
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively human blood, consumed several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Wingless and unable to jump; they move by crawling from hair to hair. Females lay eggs (nits) near the base of hair shafts with a waterproof glue.
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching and social stigma; they are not known vectors of serious disease but can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching.