Human head louse

Pediculus humanis capititis or small human louse (lat. Pediculus capitus humanus - another name: body flea, metal louse; sometimes translated as "head louse", but experts believe that these words are very conditional) - this is a species widespread throughout the world insects One of the most common and widespread blood-sucking insects is an ectoparasite (ectoparasitism).

Adult insects are mobile, preferring to live in clothing and furniture upholstery, and less often in home textiles. Their microscopic size makes them difficult to detect and, with normal infestation, the hair on the head is not visible. They move quickly - they can jump on people or objects to a height of up to 2 m.

It is believed that some species develop only on the scalp, while others develop on both the scalp and smooth skin. The size of females is 1.8-3.5 mm, males - 1-3 mm. Outwardly they differ little from other species, but have a more elongated and narrow body. The main color is flesh-brown with a reddish tint, the ventral side, darker due to the lack of wings, is gray-yellow. The structural features of small ticks make it possible to avoid detection of these creatures. In modern society, pubic lice occur as a result of ignoring hygiene standards, performing manicures and pedicures, visiting bathhouses and hairdressers without treating the hairdresser's workplace with special disinfectants. Also, a high degree of probability of infection of adults with pubic lice occurs during wars and marauding activities. Lice are very difficult to detect in hair due to their microscopic size. The louse completes its development in 21 days, while the adult lives up to 45 days, repeating the development cycle daily.