Community identification
Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea (Phthiraptera), Family Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 to 3 millimeters (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Human hair and scalp
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophage; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Clings to hair shafts near the scalp using specialized claws; incapable of jumping or flying, spreading primarily through direct head-to-head contact; lays eggs (nits) firmly attached to the base of hair strands.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching (pruritus), skin irritation, and potential secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They do not transmit serious infectious diseases. No known ecological benefits to humans.