Louse Egg (Nit)

Natural Habitat

Typically attached to hair shafts, primarily human head hair. Can also be found on clothing fibers (for body lice eggs).

Diet & Feeding

Nits themselves do not feed; they contain the developing louse embryo. Adult lice feed on human blood.

Behavior Patterns

Nits are laid by adult female lice and are cemented firmly to individual hair shafts, usually close to the scalp where the temperature is optimal for incubation. They hatch into nymphs after about 7-10 days, leaving behind a white, empty shell.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Nits indicate the presence of a head louse infestation, which can cause itching, skin irritation, and potentially secondary skin infections from scratching. They are a common nuisance, particularly among school-aged children. Benefits: None for humans; they are parasites.

Identified on: 10/7/2025