How many larvae hatch from lice? - briefly
Each egg laid by a louse hatches into a single nymph (larva). A female typically deposits five to ten eggs over her lifespan.
How many larvae hatch from lice? - in detail
Lice reproduce by laying eggs, commonly called nits, on the host’s hair shafts. Each female typically deposits 6–10 eggs per day, with a total clutch ranging from 30 to 150 eggs over her lifespan. The eggs incubate for 7–10 days before hatching, releasing first‑instar nymphs (larvae). Under optimal conditions—adequate temperature (30–32 °C), humidity (70–80 %), and a healthy host—approximately 80–90 % of the eggs successfully emerge as nymphs. Consequently, a single adult female can generate roughly 25–135 viable larvae during her reproductive period.
Key factors influencing hatch success:
- Temperature: Below 25 °C, development slows and mortality rises; above 35 °C, eggs desiccate.
- Humidity: Levels under 50 % cause premature egg death; excessive dryness also reduces viability.
- Host grooming: Frequent combing or shaving removes eggs, lowering the number that hatch.
- Chemical exposure: Insecticidal treatments can penetrate the egg shell, decreasing hatch rates.
In a typical infestation, the observable increase in nymph numbers follows this pattern:
- Day 0–3: Egg laying begins; no visible lice.
- Day 7–10: First batch of larvae appears; population rises sharply.
- Day 14–21: Second generation emerges; total count may double if control measures are absent.
Understanding these metrics enables precise estimation of larval output and informs effective management strategies.