Community identification
Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea / Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 mm to 3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair, where they remain close to the skin for warmth and food.
Diet & Feeding
Blood from the human host, consumed several times a day at the scalp surface.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and crawl between hairs; they cannot jump or fly. These insects lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft and are most active in the dark.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, allergic reactions to saliva, and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; they do not spread disease. No ecosystem benefits.