Human Head Louse

Human scalp and hair, most commonly found behind the ears and near the neckline.

Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Wingless insects that cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. Eggs (nits) are glued to hair shafts. They survive only 1–2 days away from a human host.

Cause intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to saliva; can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases.