Crab Louse (or Pubic Louse)

Natural Habitat

Typically found in pubic hair, but can also inhabit other coarse body hair such as eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, and chest hair.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate blood feeders, consuming human blood exclusively.

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving and cling tightly to hair shafts with specialized claws. They cannot jump or fly and are usually transmitted through close physical or sexual contact.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) caused by an allergic reaction to their saliva, and potential secondary bacterial skin infections from scratching. They do not transmit diseases. If found on eyelashes of children, it may indicate a need for a welfare check.

Identified on: 5/21/2026