Phthirus pubis

Definition

The scientific name of the crab louse parasite, the small whitish-grey or brownish-red insect responsible for pubic lice or crabs. The crab louse lives mostly in pubic hair, occasionally in the hair of the chest, armpits, eyelashes and eyebrows; it uses its claws to grab and hang on to hairs while feeding on its host's blood. Lice feed frequently and for lengthy periods of time, 35 to 45 minutes; when feeding they swell up and change color to a deep rust, which makes them easier to see. The crab louse lays eggs (or nits) at the base of the hair; these eggs hatch in 5 to 10 days, but they may stay dormant for up to 17 days; it can live up to 24-48 hours away from the human body.

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