Louse egg (Nit)
Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus capitis
Order & Family: Order: Psocodea, Family: Pediculidae
Size: Approximately 0.8 mm in length; about the size of a knot in a thread
Natural Habitat
Typically found on human hair, where they are glued near the scalp
Diet & Feeding
While the egg does not eat, the hatched nymph feeds on human blood
Behavior Patterns
Nits are laid by female lice and take about 6–9 days to hatch. They are difficult to remove as they are chemically bonded to the hair shaft
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching and social stigma; can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching; no ecosystem benefits.
Identified on: 6/20/2026