Sand Gnat vs Human Head Louse
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sand Gnat | Human Head Louse |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Culicoides furens | Pediculus humanus capitis |
| Order | Diptera | Phthiraptera |
| Family | Ceratopogonidae | Pediculidae |
| Size | 1-2.5 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Underground |
| Diet | Blood Feeders | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Coastal Americas from the southeastern United States to Brazil | Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sand Gnat
A very small biting midge commonly known as a no-see-um due to its near-invisible size. Despite being barely visible, its bite is intensely painful and causes persistent itching.
Did You Know?
It is so small it can pass through standard window screens, earning the nickname no-see-um.
Human Head Louse
An obligate ectoparasite of the human scalp that feeds on blood several times per day. It spreads through direct head-to-head contact.
Did You Know?
Head lice have co-evolved with humans for millions of years, and DNA analysis of lice has helped trace ancient human migration patterns.