Chiggers are the larval form of which organism, and where do bites tend to occur?

• A. They are mosquitoes that bite at night
• B. They are fleas that cause intense swelling
• C. They are the adult form of a tick
• D. They are the larval form of a mite and tend to bite along neckline and waistband

Answer: (D)

Chiggers are the larval stage of mites (Trombiculidae). In this stage they are parasitic on humans, attaching to the skin and feeding on tissue after their saliva digests skin cells, which causes intense itching and red papules. They tend to bite along areas where clothing presses against the skin, such as the neckline and waistband, because these spots provide a sheltered area under clothing where the tiny larvae remain attached. This differentiates them from mosquitoes or fleas and from the adult forms of ticks.