Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea; Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.1 mm to 3.3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The human scalp, specifically residing near the hair shafts where it is warm and humid.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophage; it feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move through direct head-to-head contact. Eggs (nits) are cemented to hair shafts and 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 transmit diseases.