What are the eggs laid by lice called? - briefly
Lice eggs are referred to as nits. They are tiny, oval capsules that adhere to hair shafts close to the scalp.
What are the eggs laid by lice called? - in detail
The eggs produced by head and body lice are commonly referred to as nits. A nit is a single, oval egg that measures about 0.8 mm in length and is firmly attached to a hair shaft or, in the case of body lice, to clothing fibers. The attachment is achieved with a cement-like secretion that hardens within several minutes, making the egg resistant to removal by simple brushing.
Key characteristics of nits:
- Shape and color: Oval, initially white or translucent; darkens to yellowish‑brown as the embryo develops.
- Location: Positioned within 1 cm of the scalp on hair shafts; body‑lice nits are found on seams of garments.
- Development time: Incubation lasts 7–10 days at typical human body temperature; after hatching, the emerging nymph immediately begins feeding.
- Survival: The cemented attachment protects the egg from environmental stress and most topical insecticides.
Different lice species produce similar eggs, but subtle variations exist:
- Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse): Eggs are laid close to the scalp, often near the base of the hair shaft.
- Pediculus humanus corporis (body louse): Eggs are deposited on fabric rather than hair, usually in seams or folds.
- Pthirus pubis (pubic louse): Eggs attach to coarse pubic hair and are slightly larger than head‑louse nits.
Identification relies on visual inspection under magnification. An intact nit appears as a tiny, glossy oval firmly glued to the substrate, whereas an empty shell—called a shell or shed nit—remains after the nymph emerges and is often lighter in color.
Effective control measures target both the live insects and the eggs. Mechanical removal (wet combing for head lice) can extract nits if the cement is softened with warm water or a suitable solvent. Chemical treatments must contain ovicidal agents to penetrate the cement and destroy the embryo; common ingredients include permethrin, dimethicone, or ivermectin. Re‑inspection after 7–10 days ensures any newly hatched nymphs are detected and treated.
In summary, lice eggs are termed nits, characterized by their small, oval shape, strong attachment to hair or fabric, and a development period of about a week. Recognition of their features and species‑specific placement informs accurate diagnosis and appropriate eradication strategies.