Scabies Mite

Scientific Name: Sarcoptes scabiei

Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes, Sarcoptidae

Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm (females); 0.2 to 0.25 mm (males)

Scabies Mite

Natural Habitat

Under the surface of human skin; they cannot survive away from a host for more than 2-3 days.

Diet & Feeding

Skin cells and extracellular fluid; they burrow into the upper layer of the skin.

Behavior Patterns

Females burrow into the stratum corneum to lay eggs, which hatch in 3-4 days. They are highly contagious through skin-to-skin contact.

Risks & Benefits

Causes intense itching and skin rashes (scabies). If left untreated, the constant scratching can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections like impetigo.

Identified on: 5/21/2026