
Community identification
Pubic louse
Pthirus pubis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pthiridae
- Size
- 1.1 mm to 1.8 mm
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.