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 on the human body, primarily in the pubic hair or other coarse hair regions like eyelashes or armpits.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders; they consume human blood several times a day to survive.
Behavior Patterns
They are sedentary parasites that grasp hair shafts with specialized claws. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical contact.
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching (pruritus) and reddish bumps. They are not known to transmit diseases but can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching.