Bug Identifier
Head louse
Community identification

Head louse

Pediculus humanus capitis

Order & Family
Order Phthiraptera, Family Pediculidae
Size
2 to 3 millimeters long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Human scalp hair and clothing fibers close to the skin.

Diet & Feeding

Exclusively human blood, feeding several times daily.

Behavior Patterns

Crawls rapidly through hair but cannot jump or fly; attaches tiny eggs called nits firmly to hair shafts.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense scalp itching, irritation, and potential secondary bacterial infections from scratching; no ecological benefits to humans.