Pubic Louse (commonly known as Crabs)

Natural Habitat

Exclusively on the human body, typically in coarse hair such as pubic hair, but occasionally eyebrows, eyelashes, or chest hair.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood-feeders; they survive solely by consuming human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving and use specialized crab-like claws to anchor themselves to hair shafts. They cannot jump or fly. They attach their eggs (nits) to the base of hair fibers.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva and potential secondary skin infections from scratching. They are typically transmitted via close physical contact. They provide no ecosystem benefits.

Identified on: 2/13/2026