chigoe

1. A small tropical flea (Tunga penetrans), the fertilized female of which burrows under the skin of animals and humans, causing intense irritation and sores that may become severely infected. Also called chigger, jigger, Also called sand flea.
2. See chigger (sense 1).

[Possibly from Galibi chico or of African origin; see jigger².]

Tunga penetrans

FAMILY

Tungidae

TAXONOMY

Tunga penetrans Linnaeus, 1758, America.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

English: Jigger, chigger (not to be confused with the six-legged larval "chigger" mite belonging to the family Trombiculidae), sand flea; Spanish: Chique.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Yellow color, similar to straw. Males and females are about 0.04 in (1.0 mm) long, but gravid females may attain 0.16 in (4.0 mm). Front of head acutely pointed upward. No combs or spinelike setae. Single row of setae on each tergite. Posterior four pairs of spiracles greatly enlarged. Distinct tooth on apex of hind coxa.

DISTRIBUTION

Southern United States, Central and South America, West Indies, and tropical Africa.

HABITAT

Unsanitary situations.

BEHAVIOR

Adults will pass through clothing to feed.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Male and female fleas bite humans intermittently. They prefer the feet, but other areas of the body are not exempt. Only impregnated females permanently attach to the host. They usually select tender areas between the toes, under the nail beds, and along the soles of the feet.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

After insemination, the female seeks a host and permanently attaches, is enveloped by the swelling host tissues, and becomes replete with eggs. Eggs are released into the environment and hatch; larvae require about 10–14 days to pupation. Under optimal conditions, adults emerge after about 10–14 days.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not threatened.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

Bites cause extreme irritation. Embedded females may form pustules and cause secondary infections resulting in the sloughing away of toes. Gangrene may ensue and require surgical amputation. Removal of embedded females facilitates healing.

The sand flea, Tunga penetrans, of tropical and subtropical America and Africa. Called also chigger or chigoe flea. Not to be confused with chigger mites. See also chigger.