The six-legged parasitic larva feeds on a large variety of creatures, including humans, rabbits, wallabies,[4] toads, box turtles, quail, and even some insects.

The severe itching is accompanied by red pimple-like bumps (papules) or hives and skin rash or lesions on a sun-exposed area.

[citation needed] After feeding on their hosts, the larvae drop to the ground and become nymphs, then mature into adults, which have eight legs and are harmless to humans.

In France, for example, they are called aoûtat, after août (August), vendangeon, after vendange (harvest), or rouget, after rouge (red).

[5] They live in low, damp areas within forests and grasslands, as well as in drier environments where vegetation is low-growing but profuse, such as lawns, golf courses and parks.