Head Lice: Identification, Biology, and Integrated Pest Management

The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a tiny insect about the same length as a sesame seed. It can crawl rapidly across the scalp but cannot fly or jump. Head lice live on people and cannot survive on pet animals. The entire life cycle of this insect occurs on the human head, because they are well adapted to the temperature and humidity conditions on the surface of the scalp. They feed by piercing the skin to take small blood meals and are generally found associated with hair on the scalp and close to the neck.