Bug Identifier
Louse (Head Louse)
Community identification

Louse (Head Louse)

Pediculus humanus capitis

Order & Family
Psocodea / Pediculidae
Size
2-3 mm (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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