Community identification
Pubic Louse
Pthirus pubis
- Order & Family
- Order Psocodea, Family Pthiridae
- Size
- 1.1 mm to 1.8 mm (about the size of a pinhead)
Natural Habitat
Exclusively found on humans, typically in coarse hair such as pubic hair, but also eyelashes, eyebrows, or chest hair.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders, consuming human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
They have a crab-like appearance and use large claws to grasp hair. They cannot jump or fly and move slowly. Eggs (nits) are cemented to the hair shaft.
Risks & Benefits
Risk of intense itching (pruritus) and skin irritation. While they do not transmit diseases, their presence is considered a parasitic infestation called pthiriasis.