Community identification
Head Louse (Nit/Egg stage)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Phthiraptera: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits (eggs) are approximately 0.8 mm; adults reach 2.5 to 3 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Exclusively on the human scalp, typically found attached to hair shafts close to the scalp surface.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Nits are glued to hair shafts with a specialized cement. They cannot fly or jump and are transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or shared personal items. They hatch in about 8-9 days.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to saliva, potential secondary skin infections from scratching, and social distress. They are not known to spread diseases.