Head louse
Pediculus capitis de Geer
Order: Phthiraptera
Family: Pediculidae
Size range
- Tiny insects, 2–3 mm long
Distribution
- Worldwide
Life History
- Parasites of humans
- Spread easily from head to head, especially at schools
- Blood sucking causes irritation and can introduce infection
- Eggs, called nits, are attached to hair