Pubic louse (Crab louse)

Natural Habitat

Primarily found in the pubic hair of humans; can also occur in other coarse body hair like chest hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate ectoparasite; feeds exclusively on human blood several times a day.

Behavior Patterns

Unlike head lice, they are slow-moving and adapted for grasping coarse hair with large, crab-like claws. They are usually transmitted through close physical contact.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva, and skin discoloration. They are not known to transmit infectious diseases, but infestation indicates a need for medical treatment.

Identified on: 4/15/2026