How long does a female scabies mite live? - briefly
The adult female Sarcoptes scabiei survives for roughly 30–45 days after establishing a burrow. During that time it deposits 2–3 eggs each day, maintaining the infestation.
How long does a female scabies mite live? - in detail
The adult female of Sarcoptes scabiei typically survives for 30 to 40 days under optimal conditions. During this period she remains embedded in the epidermis, where she creates a tunnel and lays eggs. The following points summarize the key aspects of her longevity:
- Baseline lifespan: 4–6 weeks in a human host; up to 2 months in warm, humid environments.
- Reproductive output: Approximately 30 eggs per day, with a total of 150–200 eggs over her life.
- Egg development: Eggs hatch within 3–4 days, producing larvae that mature into adults after 10–14 days.
- Factors influencing survival:
- Temperature: 25–30 °C promotes maximal longevity; temperatures below 20 °C shorten lifespan.
- Host immunity: Strong immune response can accelerate mite death, reducing the average duration.
- Treatment: Topical scabicidal agents (e.g., permethrin, ivermectin) eliminate the female within hours to days after application.
- Post‑reproductive phase: After egg laying ceases, the mite remains in the burrow until death, typically without further activity.
Understanding these parameters aids in estimating infestation duration and planning effective therapeutic schedules.