Community identification
Head louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Adults are typically 2 to 3 mm in length, roughly the size of a sesame seed.
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair, remaining close to the scalp for warmth and access to blood.
Diet & Feeding
Head lice are obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They do not fly or jump but crawl from person to person through direct head-to-head contact. Females lay eggs (nits) at the base of hair shafts.
Risks & Benefits
They cause scalp itching and potential secondary skin infections from scratching; however, they are not known to spread disease. They provide no known ecosystem benefits.