Pubic louse

Natural Habitat

Primarily human pubic hair, but can also be found in other coarse body hair such as eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, or armpit hair.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood-feeders; they feed exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are wingless and slow-moving, typically remaining attached to hair shafts. They are transmitted through close physical contact or via shared clothing, towels, and bedding. Their eggs (nits) are glued to hair shafts.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva, and skin irritation or secondary bacterial infections from scratching. They do not transmit diseases. Benefit: none; they are parasites.

Identified on: 5/21/2026