False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, also known as the crab louse, clinging to a human pubic hair. An i

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False-colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, also known as the crab louse, clinging to a human pubic hair. 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: x15 at 35mm size.

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Size: 4891px × 3171px
Photo credit: © E. GRAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, crab, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, louse, nature, phthirus, pubic, pubis, wildlife, zoology