Community identification
Louse (likely Head Louse)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea; Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2–3 mm in length (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Exclusively found in human hair and on the scalp; they cannot survive more than 24-48 hours away from a human host.
Diet & Feeding
Sanguivorous; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling from hair to hair. Females lay eggs (nits) and glue them to hair shafts near the scalp.
Risks & Benefits
While they do not spread disease, they cause intense itching and social distress. Infestations can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching. They offer no ecological benefits to humans.