Community identification
Eyelash mite
Demodex folliculorum
- Order & Family
- Order Trombidiformes, Family Demodicidae
- Size
- 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Human hair follicles and sebaceous glands, primarily on the face and around the eyes.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on sebum (skin oil) and dead skin cells found within the follicles.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin surface to mate. They are permanent residents on humans, passed through close physical contact.
Risks & Benefits
Usually harmless commensals, but high populations can lead to skin conditions like blepharitis or rosacea; they provide a benefit by removing dead skin cells and oils.