Chigger

Natural Habitat

Tall grasses, wooded areas, berry patches, and other vegetation. They are often found in warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Skin cells (in larval stage) and blood (in nymph and adult stages)

Behavior Patterns

Begins life as eggs laid by a female. They hatch into tiny larvae that embed themselves and feed on skin. Larvae molt into nymphs and then adults, continuing to feed on blood. They are typically nocturnal feeders.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause intense itching and red welts. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections. In some parts of the world (e.g., Asia, Pacific Islands), chiggers can transmit scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi). Benefits: Primarily serve as food for other small arthropods and birds, contributing to the food chain.

Identified on: 9/5/2025