Head Louse

Natural Habitat

Human scalp and hair, especially behind the ears and near the nape of the neck. They prefer warm, dark, and humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Human blood. Head lice feed by piercing the scalp with their mouthparts and sucking blood, typically several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Head lice are obligate human parasites, meaning they cannot survive long off a human host. They are wingless and cannot fly or jump, but they can crawl quickly. They lay eggs (nits) that are cemented to the base of hair shafts. The life cycle typically involves three stages: nit, nymph, and adult. Nymphs hatch from nits in about 7-10 days, and mature into adults in another 7-10 days. Adults live for about 30 days.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Head lice infestations (pediculosis capitis) are generally not considered dangerous, but they can cause intense itching, leading to skin irritation, scratching, and potential secondary bacterial infections. They do not transmit diseases. Benefits: None known to humans or the ecosystem; they are considered a pest.

Identified on: 10/17/2025