Human Head Louse Egg (Nit)

Scientific Name: Pediculus humanus capitis

Order & Family: Phthiraptera: Pediculidae

Size: Nits are approximately 0.8 mm long; adults are 2-3 mm long.

Human Head Louse Egg (Nit)

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on the human scalp, typically attached to hair shafts near the skin surface.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

The female louse glues eggs (nits) to hair shafts. They cannot jump or fly and are transmitted through direct head-to-head contact.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense itching and scalp irritation. While they do not spread disease, secondary bacterial infections can occur from scratching. They provide no known ecosystem benefits.

Identified on: 4/15/2026