
Community identification
Louse (Head Louse)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Psocodea / Pediculidae
- Size
- 2-3 mm (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
Natural Habitat
The human scalp and hair
Diet & Feeding
Exclusively human blood several times a day
Behavior Patterns
Wingless insects that crawl but cannot jump or fly; females glue eggs (nits) to hair shafts close to the scalp
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to allergic reaction to saliva; social/psychological distress; not known to spread diseases like body lice