Pediculus humanus capitis
- Pronunciation
- /ped-i-KOOL-us hoo-man-us kap-i-TISS/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Pediculus humanus capitis
- Plural
- Pediculus humanus capitis
Definition
The common head louse, a wingless ectoparasite that feeds on human blood.
Etymology
From Latin 'pediculus', meaning 'louse', and 'capitis', meaning 'of the head'.
Example
Pediculus humanus capitis is a common cause of scalp itching in children.