Scabies Mite

Scientific Name: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis

Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Sarcoptidae

Size: Microscopic; females are roughly 0.30–0.45 mm long and 0.25–0.35 mm wide; males are significantly smaller.

Scabies Mite

Natural Habitat

The epidermis (upper layer) of human skin; they cannot survive for more than 2-3 days away from a human host (on clothing or bedding).

Diet & Feeding

They feed on human skin cells and fluids found within the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin).

Behavior Patterns

These mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin to live and deposit eggs. The female creates a tunnel (burrow) where she lays eggs, which causes intense itching, especially at night. The life cycle from egg to adult takes about 10-14 days.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Highly contagious and causes scabies, a condition characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Secondary bacterial infections (like staph or strep) can occur from scratching. Benefits: None to humans or ecosystems; they are obligate parasites.

Identified on: 3/6/2026