SCP-165

SCP-165 ("The Creeping, Hungry Sands of Tule") is a species of parasitic mite that utilizes sand as a disguise for feeding purposes, in which they utilize a numbing toxin as they deflesh their prey.
==History==
===Discovery===
After the German immigrant town of Fredericksburg was founded in Arizona's Tule Desert during the 19th century, settlers discovered that the sands would move on their own. By 1908, the town was abandoned due to the presence of SCP-165. A passing US military cavalry troop staying in the abandoned hotel for the night saw that seven of their horses were reduced to bone; this prompted all but four soldiers to flee. The four soldiers were never seen again, likely due to being consumed by 165. This was reported to the US federal government.Entry Page: 165
===Attempted extermination and capture===
In the 1950s, the US federal government targeted 165 for the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range, which reduced the numbers by a large amount; however, by the 1980s, a ground cleanup was needed. The SCP Foundation was contacted, for which they sent MTF Epsilon-9 "Fire Eaters" to do this task. Their flame accelerators glassed multiple dunes of 165, while containment transport was secured for the remaining four metric tons, being transported to the nearby Armed Bio-Containment Area-14 in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada. MTF Epsilon-9 took several photos of 165 dunes, which were posted on its SCiPNet page.
==Characteristics==
SCP-165 closely resemble parasitic mites, being 750 μm in length with eight legs and genetic composition similar to a house dust mite. What makes them differ from other mites is the ability to attach grains of sand to their backs, much like a hermit crab. It is unknown what purpose this serves, but it's likely that it's to easily disguise themselves against prey. Organisms of SCP-165 are competitive rather than cooperative, rolling over one another with their legs during their hunts. They utilize chemical detection of carbon dioxide and sugars in the air to detect prey, much like mosquitoes.
After making contact with prey, they take bites out of them, in which the numbing toxin completely stimulates the area; prey are usually unaware that millions of mites are ripping away their flesh. This toxin is effective enough that prey will likely not awaken as their limbs are deprived of meat. Most pesticides do little to instances of SCP-165, save for the absolute strongest variants.
Despite their dangerous and resistant qualities, SCP-165 instances are highly vulnerable to the heat; as a result, they'll seek shelter when possible and hunt during the night.
==Containment procedures==
SCP-165 is to be treated as a contagious, pathological organism due to its innate danger. Sterilization and quarantine procedures are to be strictly followed. Microwave field generators are placed in SCP-165's area to restrict dune movements, thanks to the application of heat. Live cattle weighing at least 750 kg (1653 lbs) are placed in the chamber every nine days for feeding purposes.
==Gallery==
File:165-4.jpg|The most complete standing building of Fredricksburg, Arizona, was home to the largest dune of SCP-165.
File:165-5.jpg|Photograph '165-P1'; Fredricksburg, AZ, United States - █████ ██, 198█
File:165-6.jpg|Photograph '165-P2'; Fredricksburg, AZ, United States - █████ ██, 198█
File:165-7.jpg|Photograph '165-P3'; Fredricksburg, AZ, United States - █████ ██, 198█
==Meta==
===Kills=== 
*Town of Fredericksburg - Caused the town to be abandoned, likely consumed a great deal of settlers.
*Seven horses - Consumed while their US cavalry riders were staying in Fredericksburg.
*Four US Army soldiers - Consumed while their unit was staying in Fredericksburg.
===Appearances=== 
*Entry Page: 165
==References==
Category:Species
Category:Insects
Category:SCPs
Category:Keter