In vitro study on the morphological development of eggs (Nits)‎ and other stages of head lice pediculus humanus capitis de geer, 1767

Abstract EN

-This study deals with the morphological development of eggs (nits) and other stages of head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer.

Eggs incubated in vitro at 23±1 C°, 28±1 C° and 37±1 C° in a small Petridish with hair strands.

Its developments were as follows; eyes appeared as a small dark spot in the fourth day of oviposion then embryonic movements occur during fifth.

Fully developed embryo was appearing at sixth and seventh days which included the eye movement, formation of all three pairs of legs with claws and segments of abdomen.

Hatching occur in eighth day (first nymph exist).

Two days later, first molting occurred and second nymph emerged.

After three to five days (eleventh to thirteenth days), second molting took place to form third nymph then two days later the adult parasite reached sexual maturity