Light micrograph of the pubic louse, Phthirus pubis, also known as the crab louse. An infestation of P. pubis causes pediculosis, the symptoms of whic

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Light micrograph 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 and a rash. The lice suck blood, feeding 5 times a day. They spread through sexual contact and 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 and swings through its hairy habitat, locking into position when it is disturbed, for instance by scratching or washing. Magnification: x22 at size, x14 at 35mm size.

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Size: 4558px × 3193px
Photo credit: © JOHN BURBIDGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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