Pubic Louse (Crab Louse)

Exclusively found on the human body, primarily in coarse body hair such as pubic, armpit, chest, or facial hair (including eyelashes).

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

They are sedentary and move slowly. They use their specialized crab-like claws to grasp thick hair shafts and remain attached to the host. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical/sexual contact or infested bed linens.

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva, and small bluish spots on the skin from feeding. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections. They have no known ecological benefits for humans.