Pubic Louse (Crab Louse)

Exclusively found on human hosts, primarily inhabiting the pubic region but can also be found in other coarse body hair such as eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, or chest hair.

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

They are slow-moving and use their large, crab-like claws to grasp onto hair shafts. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical contact or shared personal items like bedding or towels.

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) caused by an allergic reaction to their saliva, and small bluish spots on the skin from feeding. There are no known benefits to the host or ecosystem; they are considered a human parasite.