Louse egg (Nit)

Natural Habitat

Human scalp and hair shafts, typically within 6mm of the scalp for warmth

Diet & Feeding

As an egg, it does not eat; however, after hatching, the nymph and adult feed exclusively on human blood

Behavior Patterns

The female louse lays eggs (nits) and glues them to the base of hair shafts. Eggs take about 6–9 days to hatch into nymphs.

Risks & Benefits

While not primary disease vectors, they cause significant itching and secondary skin infections from scratching; they are highly contagious through head-to-head contact.

Identified on: 4/30/2026