Human Hair (Root/Follicle)
Scientific Name: Homo sapiens pilus
Order & Family: Order: Primates, Family: Hominidae (Classification of the host)
Size: Diameter varies from 17 to 180 micrometers; length is highly variable
Natural Habitat
Typically found on the mammalian scalp or body
Diet & Feeding
N/A - Not a living organism capable of eating (composed of keratin protein)
Behavior Patterns
Grows from a follicle in cycles (anagen, catagen, telogen); eventually sheds from the body
Risks & Benefits
No risks; biological material that provides insulation and sensory input to the host. Often mistaken for parasites in microscopic images.
Identified on: 3/7/2026