Community identification
Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea, Family Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.1 to 3.3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Humans, specifically the hair and scalp of the head
Diet & Feeding
Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Cannot fly or jump; they move by crawling. They lay eggs (nits) at the base of hair shafts close to the scalp. Life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages over about 30 days.
Risks & Benefits
Cause intense itching due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While they are a nuisance and can cause secondary skin infections from scratching, they are not known to spread diseases.