Chiggers Chiggers Trombicula spp. Both have 4 pairs of legs. The minute, globular egg is light colored at first, changing to a darker color with age. Larvae have 6 legs.
Chiggers are worldwide pests.
They are most numerous in the coastal plains. They occur most frequently in pine straw, berry patches, in orchards, in woodlands, and along lake and stream margins. The larvae of several species of chiggers attach themselves to the skin of man, domestic animals, wild animals, poultry, and birds. Nymphs and adults feed on insect eggs, small insects, and decaying organic matter. The fluid injected by a feeding larval chigger causes a reddish welt, swelling, itching, and sometimes a fever.