Sarcoptes

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sarcoptes: //sɑːrˈkɒptiːz//

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Summary

Sarcoptes scabiei, known as the itch mite, is a parasitic mite that burrows into the skin of various mammals, including humans, causing scabies. It has a complex life cycle involving several stages and is highly transmissible through skin contact.

Physical Characteristics

Spherical, eyeless mites with four pairs of legs, oval, ventrally flattened and dorsally convex bodies, covered with multiple cuticular spines; females are 0.3–0.45 mm long and 0.25–0.35 mm wide; males are smaller.

Identification Tips

Recognizable by their tortoise-like bodies and the presence of suckers on the front legs; males have suckers on all legs except the third pair.

Habitat

Primarily found on the skin of hosts, including humans and various mammals, in areas with frequent skin-to-skin contact.

Distribution

Found in all parts of the world.

Diet

Parasitic; feeds on the skin of hosts.

Life Cycle

Undergoes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The life cycle lasts about two weeks.

Reproduction

Females lay two to three eggs daily for about two months, up to 30 eggs in total; fertilization occurs once, after which males die.

Ecosystem Role

Parasitic mites that can cause severe skin conditions leading to secondary bacterial infections.

Economic Impact

Infestations can negatively affect the health and productivity of domestic animals and livestock, especially in pigs.

Cultural Significance

First disease of humans with a known microscopic causative agent, documented in the 17th century.

Health Concerns

Causes intense itching and skin rashes (scabies), leads to potential bacterial infections (e.g., impetigo, eczema).

Similar Taxa

• Psoroptes
• other sarcoptid mites

Misconceptions

Often confused with other skin parasites due to similar itching symptoms; some assume they only affect humans, while many mammals can be infested.

Tags

• Parasite
• Mite
• Scabies
• Skin
• Infestation