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Pthirus

A genus of lice (family Pediculidae) formerly grouped in the genus pediculus. The main species is pthirus pubis (Pediculus pubis), the crab or pubic louse, a parasite that infests the pubis and neighboring hairy parts of the body. Often incorrectly spelled phthirus or Phthirius.

Origin: irreg. Fr. G. Phtheir, louse