Louse (Head Louse)
Scientific Name: 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
Identified on: 5/31/2026