How long after do lice lay eggs? - briefly
Female head lice start laying eggs roughly 24–48 hours after they become adults, and they deposit an egg every 1–2 days for about a week to ten days. Consequently, a single adult can produce 5–10 eggs during her reproductive period.
How long after do lice lay eggs? - in detail
Female head lice become capable of laying eggs shortly after reaching maturity. An adult emerges from the nymphal stage in approximately 7–10 days, and within 24–48 hours it begins oviposition. The female deposits 5–10 nits each day, attaching them firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. Egg production continues for about 2–3 weeks, after which the louse dies.
Key points of the reproductive timeline:
- Maturation: 7–10 days from egg to adult.
- Onset of egg‑laying: 1–2 days after adult emergence.
- Daily output: 5–10 eggs.
- Total reproductive span: 14–21 days.
- Egg incubation: 7–10 days before hatching.
Environmental factors such as temperature (optimal 30–32 °C) and host availability influence the speed of development but do not significantly alter the 24–48‑hour delay before the first egg is laid.