Human Head Louse

Primarily the human scalp, particularly the hair behind the ears and near the neck.

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

Crawls between hosts during direct contact; cannot jump or fly. Lays eggs (nits) cemented to hair shafts close to the scalp.

Causes intense itching (pediculosis) and secondary skin infections from scratching; not known to transmit systemic diseases but is a significant social and public health nuisance.