What do lice eggs look like on a comb? - briefly
Lice nits appear as tiny, oval, whitish‑gray specks firmly glued to the comb’s teeth, often resembling tiny beads or sand grains. They are usually about 0.8 mm long and may look slightly translucent when freshly laid.
What do lice eggs look like on a comb? - in detail
Lice nits observed on a comb appear as tiny, oval‑shaped specks that cling tightly to the teeth. Each egg measures about 0.8 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width, roughly the size of a grain of fine sand. The surface is smooth and semi‑transparent, allowing a faint view of the developing embryo inside; a faint brown or yellowish hue may be visible through the shell.
When examined closely, the following characteristics are evident:
- Shape: Uniformly oval, tapering slightly at one end where the operculum (the cap) attaches.
- Color: Ranges from pale ivory to light brown; older nits darken to tan or reddish tones as they mature.
- Attachment: Cemented firmly to the comb’s teeth, often at an angle that makes them appear flattened against the metal or plastic surface.
- Texture: Glossy, with a slightly waxy coating that resists easy removal.
- Visibility of contents: The interior may show a faint, creamy mass indicating an embryo; in later stages, a small, darker spot can be seen.
The operculum is a small, dome‑shaped lid at the broader end of the egg. It remains closed until the nymph hatches, after which the empty shell stays affixed to the comb. Empty shells are typically more translucent and may appear slightly crinkled compared to intact nits.
Recognizing these details enables accurate identification of active infestations and helps differentiate lice eggs from dandruff, hair casts, or other debris that may also collect on grooming tools.