Pubic lice

Pthiridae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Psocodea
Family: Pthiridae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pthiridae: /ˈθaɪrɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Pthirus pubis Oly,WA by Kendallnorcott. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Phthirus pubis 001 by NH2501. Used under a CC BY 2.5 license.

Pthirus pubis - crab louse by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Louse species by Lloyd, Llewellyn. Used under a Public domain license.

Crab Louse (Phthirus pubis) (1856546189) by Ed Uthman from Houston, TX, USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pthirus Pubis (15018126476) by Michael Wunderli. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Pthirus is a genus of lice consisting of two extant species, known for their blood-feeding habits, with Pthirus pubis infesting humans and Pthirus gorillae infesting gorillas.

Identification Tips

Pthirus pubis is typically identified by its crab-like appearance, with a broad, flat body and prominent claws adapted for grasping coarse body hair.

Habitat

Pthirus pubis primarily inhabits coarse body hair in the human pubic region, but can also be found in other areas like the armpits and facial hair.

Distribution

Pthirus pubis is found worldwide, wherever human hosts are present, while Pthirus gorillae is restricted to regions where gorillas live.

Diet

Pthirus species are blood-feeding ectoparasites, feeding on the blood of their host.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Pthirus includes three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. The entire life cycle can take approximately 2 to 4 weeks.

Reproduction

Pthirus females lay eggs (nits) that adhere to hair shafts. After a week, the eggs hatch into nymphs, which mature into adults.

Ecosystem Role

Pthirus plays a role as a parasitic organism, impacting the health of its host, especially in the case of Pthirus pubis leading to irritation and possible secondary infections.

Health Concerns

Infestations with Pthirus pubis can cause pruritus and discomfort and may lead to secondary infections if left untreated.

Evolution

The two species of Pthirus diverged approximately 3.3 million years ago, indicating a long evolutionary history.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There is a common misconception that pubic lice are only found in individuals with poor hygiene; however, they can infest anyone who has close body contact with an infested person.