Pubic louse

Found primarily in coarse human hair, most commonly in the pubic area; also occasionally found in eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, or chest hair.

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

They are relatively immobile once attached to hair; they grip onto hair shafts with specialized, crab-like claws. They cannot jump or fly and are transmitted through close physical contact or shared contaminated bedding/clothing.

Causes intense itching (pruritus) due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. They do not transmit diseases, but scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections. They have no known benefits to the ecosystem.