Community identification
Itch mite (Scabies mite)
Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
- Order & Family
- Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Sarcoptidae
- Size
- 0.30 to 0.45 mm long (females), 0.20 to 0.25 mm long (males)
Natural Habitat
Human skin, specifically within the stratum corneum (outer layer) of the epidermis.
Diet & Feeding
Skin cells and extracellular fluid from the human host.
Behavior Patterns
Females burrow into the skin to lay eggs, creating tiny zigzag tunnels. They are nocturnal and most active at night. The life cycle involves egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages, taking about 10-14 days.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, allergic reactions, secondary bacterial infections due to scratching, and high transmissibility between humans. There are no ecological benefits to humans.