More Denizens of the Invisible Empire

More insects we rarely see - and (perhaps) wish we never do.

Scabie Mite Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by tiny parasitic mites. These scabies mites (usually Sarcoptes scabiei) infest the outer layers of the skin. What makes the disease so itchy is the mites' waste products, to which people become sensitized. Mites are arachnids, just like spiders, with 8 legs. This mite is less than 0.05 cm (0.02 inches) long, just barely visible to the naked eye. They are whitish and disc shaped, with no distinct head, but the mouthparts can be seen in front. Female scabies mite burrows under the surface of a person's skin by biting and also by cutting with it's front legs. They leave a red, itchy tunnel under the skin.

 

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