Community identification
Human scabies mite
Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
- Order & Family
- Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Sarcoptidae
- Size
- Microscopic; females are 0.30 to 0.45 mm long, males are half that size.
Natural Habitat
Burrows in the upper layer (stratum corneum) of human skin.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on human skin cells and extracellular fluid.
Behavior Patterns
Mites burrow under the skin to lay eggs, creating tiny raised lines. They are most active at night, which is when itching typically worsens.
Risks & Benefits
Causes scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation characterized by intense itching and rashes. Can lead to secondary bacterial infections like impetigo if skin is broken by scratching; no known ecological benefits.