Itch mite / Scabies mite
Sarcoptes scabiei
- Order & Family
- Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Sarcoptidae
- Size
- Approximately 0.3 to 0.45 mm long; microscopic and usually invisible to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
The epidermis (outer layer) of human skin or other mammal hosts.
Diet & Feeding
The mite feeds on dissolved skin cells and extracellular fluid by secreting enzymes that dissolve the host's tissue.
Behavior Patterns
Female mites burrow into the stratum corneum of the skin to lay eggs. This burrowing and the mite's secretions trigger a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (intense itching). They are obligate parasites and cannot survive away from a host for more than 2-3 days.
Risks & Benefits
Causes Scabies, characterized by intense itching and skin rashes. It is highly contagious through skin-to-skin contact. While there are no ecological benefits, the risk includes secondary skin infections from scratching. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.