What do pubic lice look like on a human? - briefly
Pubic lice are tiny, crab‑shaped insects about 1–2 mm long, gray‑brown in color, clinging to coarse hair and often seen as moving specks or as attached nits. They cause intense itching and may leave small dark spots where they bite.
What do pubic lice look like on a human? - in detail
Pubic lice, also known as Pthirus pubis, are small, wingless insects that infest the coarse hair of the genital region and, occasionally, other body hair such as the chest, abdomen, armpits, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Adult specimens measure approximately 1–2 mm in length, roughly the size of a sesame seed. Their bodies are broad and crab‑like, with a flattened dorsal surface and a distinctive, rounded thorax. The coloration ranges from gray‑brown to tan, often appearing translucent when the insect is unfed.
Males are slightly smaller than females and possess a pair of prominent, claw‑like pedicels on the abdomen, used for grasping the female during copulation. Females exhibit a more rounded abdomen to accommodate egg production. Both sexes have six legs, each ending in a claw that allows firm attachment to hair shafts.
Eggs, called nits, are oval, about 0.8 mm long, and firmly glued to the base of each hair. Nits are typically tan or pale yellow and may be mistaken for dandruff; however, they remain attached even after vigorous brushing. The eggs hatch in 6–10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble miniature adults and mature within 10–12 days.
Visible signs of infestation include:
- Small, moving dark specks on the hair shafts, especially near the base.
- Clusters of nits attached close to the skin surface.
- Itching or irritation caused by the lice’s saliva, often intensifying at night.
- Redness or inflammation of the skin surrounding the affected hair follicles.
The presence of live lice can be confirmed by gently parting the hair and examining the base with a magnifying lens. Movement is slow but detectable; lice crawl rather than jump, using their claws to navigate the hair. Adult lice may be seen feeding on blood, appearing engorged and darker after a meal.
Overall, pubic lice are identifiable by their small, crab‑shaped bodies, gray‑brown hue, clawed legs, and the characteristic nits affixed to the hair near the skin. Their habitat, size, and reproductive structures provide reliable visual cues for diagnosis.