Community identification
Head Louse (Nits)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits (eggs) are approx. 0.8 mm. Adults are 2–3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed).
Natural Habitat
The scalp and hair of humans. They are found worldwide and are highly host-specific.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Nits are glued firmly to hair shafts. Adults cannot fly or jump; they spread through direct head-to-head contact. They cannot survive more than 24-48 hours off a host's head.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, scalp irritation, and potential secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases. There are no known ecological benefits to humans.