While researching Spanish Moss, that amazing bromeliad which grows on these southern trees, draping them in exquisite lace, I learned the moss also hosts chiggers. This amazing fact now explains the roadmap of bites I have on my body.
When I grew up, I think we might have said “jiggers” on occasion. This would have been incorrect, another fact I learned in my morning research. Jiggers are fleas. I didn’t even know “chiggers” was a common name for these tiny mites you rarely see.
It’s always interesting to experience the insects of other climates. Apparently I needed a vacation in order to do intense research!
Thanks for sacrificing the chiggers for this lively photo! Looks so lovely 🥰