Pubic Louse vs Malagasy Pill Millipede Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pubic Louse Malagasy Pill Millipede Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Pthirus pubis Physorhynchus crux
Order Phthiraptera Hemiptera
Family Pthiridae Reduviidae
Size 1.5-2 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pubic Louse

A broad, crab-shaped louse that infests coarse body hair, primarily in the pubic region. It is transmitted through intimate contact.

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Did You Know?

Pubic lice are more closely related to gorilla lice than to human head lice, suggesting an ancient host-switching event between primate species.

Malagasy Pill Millipede Assassin Bug

A dark-bodied assassin bug with a characteristic cross-shaped marking on its thorax. It has robust forelegs adapted for grasping prey and a stout curved beak for injecting venom.

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Did You Know?

It specializes in ambushing pill millipedes, using its powerful beak to penetrate their armored exoskeleton.