Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family Pediculidae
- Size
- 2-3 mm in length (roughly the size of a sesame seed).
Natural Habitat
The scalp of human beings, specifically living close to the hair follicles.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders, consuming small amounts of human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Lice cannot fly or jump; they move through direct head-to-head contact. Females glue eggs (nits) to hair shafts, and nymphs emerge to reach maturity in about 9-12 days.
Risks & Benefits
They cause itching and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; however, unlike body lice, they are not known vectors of disease. They offer no ecological benefits to humans.