Community identification
Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Psocodea, Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 mm to 3 mm (about the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
Found exclusively on the human scalp and hair
Diet & Feeding
Obligate ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and crawl between hairs; they cannot jump or fly. They attach their eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts with a specialized glue.
Risks & Benefits
While they cause intense itching and psychological distress, they do not transmit bacterial or viral diseases. Over-scratching can lead to secondary skin infections.