Signs of Head Lice

Nymph
The nit hatches into a baby head louse, called a nymph. It looks like an adult head louse, but is smaller. Nymphs mature into adults about seven days after hatching. To live, the nymph must feed on blood. Without blood meals, the louse dies in a few days.
 
Adult Head Louse
The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs, and is tan to grayish-white in color. In people with dark hair, the adult louse will look darker. Females, which are usually larger than the males, lay eggs. Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a person's head. Adult lice also need to feed on blood. If the louse falls off a person, it dies within two days.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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