Itch Mite - Sarcoptes scabei

Description -- The head is to the left. The protuberances on the body are legs. In the lower middle (below the legs) are spines. There is a partial view of another mite in the lower right corner.

These mites burrow into the skin and cause scabies. They infect humans, in addition to other mammals. The stages of infestation are thus: a fertilized female burrows into the host's skin, laying eggs in tunnels. The eggs hatch and the larvae feed and molt in hair follicles. They cause intense itching, which can lead to infection.

*whole mount microscope slide

comments (9)

Ernst

Lion

My wife told me to stop talking to her about your interesting images as it makes her feel itchy. Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Lol. My husband gets creeped out when I bring out my slides and other oddities. Posted 4 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

SUPER COOL! Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! They are gross, little critters. Have you ever had scabies? I have not. But, if I did, I would definitely take samples. Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    I don't think so? I've had fungal ringworm before! :D I think we had pinworms as kids (ewwww). Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      I've had that (fungal ringworm) too! You would know if you ever had scabies. Posted 4 years ago, modified 4 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Interesting about the pinworm...I may have a slide of that. I never had it though. Posted 4 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Unique, so cool! Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! There are so many truly weird creatures out there. Posted 4 years ago

The Itch Mite

''Sarcoptes scabiei'' or the itch mite is a parasitic mite that burrows into skin and causes scabies. The mite is found in all parts of the world. Humans are not the only mammals that can become infected. Other mammals, such as wild and domesticated dogs and cats as well as ungulates, wild boars, bovids, wombats, koalas, and great apes are affected.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Sarcoptiformes

Species identified by Christine Young