
Community identification
Pubic louse
Pthirus pubis
- Order & Family
- Order: Psocodea, Family: Pthiridae
- Size
- 1.1 to 1.8 millimeters in length.
Natural Habitat
Exclusively inhabits human coarse body hair, most commonly in the pubic region, but can also be found in eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, or chest hair.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate ectoparasite; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.
Behavior Patterns
Slow-moving crawlers that cannot jump or fly. They transfer through close physical contact or shared contaminated items like bedding. Female lice lay eggs (nits) and glue them to hair shafts.
Risks & Benefits
Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. While not known to transmit diseases, heavy infestations can lead to secondary skin infections from scratching. They are considered an indicator of close physical contact.