Pubic Louse

Natural Habitat

Typically found in the coarse hair of the human pubic area, but can occur in eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, and chest hair.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophages; they feed exclusively on human blood for survival.

Behavior Patterns

They are sedentary and move very little once attached to a hair shaft. They undergo three nymphal stages before reaching adulthood, and females lay eggs (nits) on the hair shaft.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus due to an allergic reaction to saliva) and secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans.

Identified on: 5/16/2026