Pthirus pubis, better known as pubic lice or crabs, have for 3 million years called the human body home. Now, thanks to a loss of ‘habitat’, lice are under threat of extinction. Are we upset about this? Probably not.
A new report by Bloomberg News investigates the demise of the dreaded little creature, outbreaks of which have not been recorded in Sydney since 2008.
Entomologist Ian F. Burgess, of the Insect Research & Development Ltd, is a little more sympathetic to the plight of the Pthirus pubis: “Pubic grooming has led to a severe depletion of crab louse population. Add to that other aspects of body hair depilation, and you can see an environmental disaster in the making for this species.”
While it may only be those in the entomological sphere that will morn the passing of the lice, its still interesting to note that even small changes in body grooming can have such a large impact on the environment.
* Feature picture courtesy Bloomberg News
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A very unexpected but welcome discovery.