Pubic Louse (Crab Louse)

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on humans, primarily in the pubic hair region, but can also inhabit other coarse body hair like armpits, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagy; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and slow-moving, typically remaining attached to hair shafts for long periods. They spread through close physical contact or via infested items like bedding or towels.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus due to allergic reactions to saliva), bluish skin lesions (maculae caeruleae), and secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They do not typically transmit diseases.

Identified on: 6/27/2026