Head louse

Natural Habitat

The scalp and hair of humans, rarely found on other body parts

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively human blood, obtained by biting into the scalp multiple times a day

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and cannot jump; they spread through direct head-to-head contact. They attach their eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts with a waterproof glue-like substance.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While they do not transmit disease, scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.

Identified on: 1/11/2026