Pubic Louse (often called 'Crabs')

Natural Habitat

Found almost exclusively in the human pubic area, but can occasionally be found in other coarse body hair such as eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, or chests.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving and use their specialized claw-like legs to grasp coarse hairs. They cannot jump or fly. They lay eggs (nits) at the base of hairs, which hatch in about 6–10 days.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus due to an allergic reaction to saliva) and secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They are typically transmitted via close physical contact, usually sexual. They provide no ecosystem benefits and are considered a human parasite.

Identified on: 3/7/2026