Louse (likely Head Louse)

Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus capitis

Order & Family: Order: Psocodea; Family: Pediculidae

Size: 2–3 mm in length (roughly the size of a sesame seed)

Louse (likely Head Louse)

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.

Identified on: 4/24/2026