Pubic louse

Exclusively found on humans, typically in coarse hair such as pubic hair, but also eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, or armpit hair.

Obligate ectoparasite; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Slow-moving and sedentary; they use specialized claws to grasp thick hair shafts and remain close to the skin. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical contact or shared bedding/clothing.

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) caused by an allergic reaction to their saliva and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases but indicate a need for medical treatment.