Bug Identifier
Skin cell / Scale (likely not an insect)
Community identification

Skin cell / Scale (likely not an insect)

Human epithelial debris

Order & Family
N/A (Non-living material)
Size
30-50 micrometers
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in household dust, bedding, and on clothing

Diet & Feeding

Non-living; processed as organic waste by decomposers

Behavior Patterns

Naturally shed from the human body as part of the skin's renewal cycle

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless, but an excess can contribute to dust mite populations, which may cause allergies