Human Head Louse

Exclusively the human scalp and hair, most commonly found behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the head.

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

Wingless insects that cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling and are transmitted through direct head-to-head contact. Females lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.

Causes intense itching (pediculosis) and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are a significant social nuisance but do not transmit bacterial or viral diseases like body lice do.