Pubic louse

Natural Habitat

Found exclusively on humans, specifically in the pubic hair and other coarse body hair areas such as armpits, chest, and occasionally eyelashes or eyebrows.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving and use specialized claws to grasp coarse hair. Their life cycle consists of three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. They are typically transmitted through close physical contact, particularly sexual contact.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva and secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are not known to transmit systemic diseases but indicate a need for medical treatment. There are no ecological benefits.

Identified on: 1/11/2026