Bug Identifier
Pubic louse
Community identification

Pubic louse

Pthirus pubis

Order & Family
Order: Psocodea, Family: Pthiridae
Size
1.1 mm to 1.8 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Human body, primarily in the pubic hair and occasionally other coarse body hair like eyelashes or armpits.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving parasites that cannot jump or fly; they use large claws to grasp hair shafts and stay close to the skin surface. They depend entirely on human warmth for survival.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense itching (pruritus) and skin irritation; though they do not transmit major diseases, they are a sign of close physical or sexual contact and can cause secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching.