Pubic louse

Exclusively found on humans, primarily in the pubic hair or other coarse body hair such as eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, or chest hair.

Obligate hematophagous (feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day).

They are slow-moving and cannot jump or fly; they crawl between hairs and use specialized claws to cling to hair shafts. They are typically transmitted through close physical or sexual contact and cannot survive for more than 24-48 hours away from a human host.

Risk: Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. Excessive scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections. Benefit: None to humans; they are an obligate parasite.