Human itch mite (Scabies mite) / Chigger mite

Human or animal skin surface and epidermal layers; outdoor vegetation for larvae

Feeds on skin cells, tissue fluids, or lymphatic fluid by dissolving skin layers with digestive enzymes

Microscopic mites burrow into the upper layer of human skin (epidermis) to lay eggs, or larval chiggers attach to hair follicles/skin pores temporarily. This causes intense delayed hypersensitivity reactions, localized inflammation, scaling, and severe itching.

Risks include intense itching, skin irritation, red scaly lesions, and secondary bacterial infections from excessive scratching. They provide no known human benefits and require topical dermatological treatment.