How many larvae does a louse lay? - briefly
«A louse typically lays five to ten eggs, each hatching into a nymph rather than a true larval stage.»
How many larvae does a louse lay? - in detail
Lice are obligate ectoparasites that reproduce by laying eggs, commonly called nits. A mature female typically deposits five to ten eggs each day, depending on species, temperature, and host condition. The reproductive period lasts roughly three weeks, after which the female dies. Consequently, a single adult can produce between 100 and 150 offspring during her lifetime.
Egg development requires 7–10 days at normal human body temperature (≈ 37 °C). Once hatched, the nymph undergoes three molts before reaching adulthood, a process that takes an additional 9–12 days. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, therefore spans about 2–3 weeks, allowing rapid population expansion under favorable conditions.
Key factors influencing egg output:
- Species: Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse) generally lays fewer eggs per day than Pediculus humanus humanus (body louse).
- Temperature: Higher ambient temperatures accelerate embryogenesis and may increase daily egg deposition.
- Host health: Nutrient‑rich blood meals support higher fecundity; malnutrition can reduce egg numbers.
- Age of the female: Peak egg production occurs during the middle of the adult phase; early and late stages yield fewer eggs.
Overall, a single female louse is capable of generating a population of over a hundred new individuals within a month, provided environmental conditions remain optimal.