itch mite

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sarcoptes scabiei: //sɑːrˈkɒptiːz ˈskeɪbi.aɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Sarcoptes scabiei, commonly known as the itch mite, is a parasitic mite that infests the skin of various mammals, including humans, causing the disease known as scabies. It burrows into the skin, lays eggs, and can lead to severe skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Physical Characteristics

Adult females are 350-450 micrometers long, and adult males are 250-350 micrometers.

Identification Tips

Adult scabies mites are spherical, eyeless, with four pairs of legs and recognizable by their oval, ventrally flattened and dorsally convex bodies. They may possess multiple cuticular spines and tubular processes known as suckers on their front legs.

Habitat

Cosmopolitan, found in mammalian skin; commonly infests humans, dogs, non-human primates, ungulates, and marsupials.

Distribution

Found worldwide as it infests various mammals, specifically humans (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis).

Diet

Feeds on the skin and tissue fluids of the host.

Life Cycle

The mite goes through five developmental stages: egg, larva, two nymphal stages, and adult. The entire life cycle from egg to adult is approximately one week.

Reproduction

Females mate only once and remain fertile for about 1-2 months, laying 2-3 eggs per day.

Ecosystem Role

Sarcoptes scabiei plays a role in ecosystems as a parasite that can significantly impact the health of its host.

Economic Impact

Affects livestock and pets, causing conditions such as mange in dogs and scaly leg in domestic fowls. It can lead to economic losses in farming due to reduced growth and feeding rates.

Cultural Significance

Historically, Sarcoptes scabiei was the first disease of humans identified with a known microscopic organism, marked by the discovery in 1687.

Health Concerns

Infestation can cause intense itching and skin irritation, leading to secondary infections such as impetigo or eczema due to scratching. A hypersensitivity reaction can develop after infestation.

Collecting Methods

• Skin scraping from affected areas of the host

Preservation Methods

• Preserve in alcohol
• Slide mounting for microscopic examination

Evolution

Sarcoptes is a genus of skin parasites, related to several other mite species, evolving as ectoparasites of mammals.

Similar Taxa

• Psoroptes
• Notoedres
• Demodex

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other skin conditions; infestations produce intense itching resembling other allergic reactions.

Tags

• scabies
• parasite
• itch mite
• Sarcoptes scabiei
• skin infestation