Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Anoplura); Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2mm to 3mm (approximately the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The scalp and hair of humans; most common behind the ears and at the neckline.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. They attach their eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts with a waterproof glue-like substance. They cannot survive for more than 24-48 hours off a human host.
Risks & Benefits
While they Cause intense itching (pruritus) and social distress, they are not known to transmit diseases. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.