Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, also known as the crab louse. An infestation of P. pubis causes pediculosis, th

---

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, also known as the crab louse. An infestation of P. pubis causes pediculosis, the symptoms of which are severe itching & a rash. The lice suck blood, feeding 5 times a day. They spread through sexual contact & via bedding or clothing. Each of the louse's 6 legs terminates in a massive claw, which folds inward to meet a thumb-like projection on the opposite side. The louse climbs & swings through its hairy habitat, locking into position when disturbed, for instance by scratching or washing. Magnification: x100 at 8x10 inch size.

---

Size: 3543px × 2588px
Photo credit: © E. GRAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, black--white, crab, exoparasite, human, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, louse, monochrome, nature, parasite, phthirus, pubic, pubis, sem, wildlife, zoology