Chigger

Found in dense vegetation, tall grass, woodland edges, and moist soil areas.

Larvae feed on skin cells and lymph fluid of hosts; adults feed on insect eggs and small arthropods.

Larvae hitchhike on hosts, inject digestive enzymes to liquefy skin cells, and feed for several days before dropping off.

Causes intense itching, red welts, and dermatitis; in some regions, certain species can transmit scrub typhus.