
Community identification
Human Head Louse Egg (Nit)
Pediculus humanus capitis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea (formerly Phthiraptera), Family: Pediculidae
- Size
- Nits are approximately 0.8 mm long; adults are 2 to 3 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Exclusively found on the human scalp, specifically attached to hair shafts near the skin surface for warmth.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly hematophagous; they feed on human blood several times a day. Nits (eggs) identify the developmental stage and do not feed.
Behavior Patterns
The female louse glues eggs (nits) to the base of hair shafts. Nits hatch in about 8-9 days. They cannot fly or jump and are spread via direct head-to-head contact.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, scalp irritation, and secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases, but infestations cause significant social and psychological distress.