Community identification
Human Head Louse
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- 2 to 3 mm in length (roughly the size of a sesame seed).
Natural Habitat
Exclusively on the human scalp and hair, where they stay close to the skin for warmth and food.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate parasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They are wingless and cannot jump or fly; they move by crawling. They cement their eggs (nits) to hair shafts near the scalp. They cannot survive for more than 24-48 hours off a human host.
Risks & Benefits
They cause intense itching (pruritus) and scalp irritation due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While they do not spread disease, secondary bacterial infections can occur from scratching.