Scabies Mite (burrow evidence)

Scientific Name: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis

Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Sarcoptidae

Size: Microscopic (Adult females are 0.30–0.45 mm long; males are smaller)

Scabies Mite (burrow evidence)

Natural Habitat

The epidermis (outer layer) of human skin, particularly in warm, moist areas like between fingers, wrists, armpits, and groins.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on dissolved human tissues but does not suck blood; larvae and nymphs feed in hair follicles or burrows.

Behavior Patterns

Adult females burrow into the upper layer of the skin (stratum corneum) to lay eggs, creating serpentine tunnels (burrows). The life cycle from egg to adult takes about 10-14 days. They are most active at night, causing intense itching.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Causes scabies, a highly contagious skin infestation characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections like impetigo. Benefits: None to humans or the ecosystem.

Identified on: 3/4/2026