Pubic Louse (Crab Louse)

The coarse hairs of the human body, most commonly in the pubic area; also occasionally found in eyelashes, eyebrows, chest hair, or armpits.

Obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

They are slow-moving and cling to hair shafts with specialized claw-like legs. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical contact or shared personal items.

Risk: Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While they do not transmit major diseases, secondary skin infections can occur from scratching. Benefit: None to humans; they are strictly parasitic.