Scabies mite
Scientific Name: Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiforms; Family: Sarcoptidae
Size: Adult females: 0.30 to 0.45 mm long; Males: half that size
Natural Habitat
Human skin, specifically the upper layer of the epidermis
Diet & Feeding
Human skin cells and skin secretions
Behavior Patterns
Females burrow into the skin to lay eggs, creating tiny, wavy tracks; they are highly contagious via direct skin-to-skin contact
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Intense itching, skin rashes, and potential secondary bacterial infections like impetigo or cellulitis; No known benefits
Identified on: 3/5/2026