Community identification
Human Head Louse (Egg/Nit)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea; Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits (eggs) are approximately 0.8 mm by 0.3 mm; adults are 2-3 mm.
Natural Habitat
Human scalp and hair, specifically attached to hair shafts close to the scalp.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They cannot fly or jump; they move by crawling. Eggs are cemented to hair shafts and hatch in 6-9 days. They are highly contagious through direct head-to-head contact.
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching and scalp irritation. They do not transmit diseases, but scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections. They offer no ecological benefits to humans.