Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family Pediculidae
- Size
- 2.1 mm to 3.3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The scalp of human beings, specifically near the hair shaft
Diet & Feeding
Strict blood-feeders that consume human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and crawl from host to host. They glue their eggs (nits) to the hair shaft and cannot survive more than 24-48 hours away from a human host.
Risks & Benefits
They cause intense itching and social distress. While they do not transmit diseases, scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.