Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera); Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2mm to 3mm (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Exclusively inhabits the human scalp and hair, clinging to hair shafts near the skin for warmth.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood feeders, consuming human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless, crawl-only insects that cannot jump or fly. They attach their eggs (nits) to hair shafts with a glue-like substance and die within 24–48 hours if they fall off a human host.
Risks & Benefits
They do not spread disease, but their bites cause intense itching and scalp irritation. Secondary skin infections can occur from excessive scratching. They offer no benefits to the ecosystem.