Human Head Louse

Exclusively on the human scalp, attaching eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts.

Obligate blood feeders, consuming small amounts of human blood several times a day.

Wingless insects that move by crawling; they cannot jump or fly. They complete their entire life cycle on a human host and usually die within 24–48 hours if they fall off.

While they do not spread disease, they cause intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. Excessive scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.