
Community identification
Likely follicle mite (Demodex mite)
Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis
- Order & Family
- Trombidiformes, Demodecidae
- Size
- About 0.1–0.4 mm long; the visible dark strands are hairs, not the mite itself.
Natural Habitat
Human hair follicles and sebaceous glands, especially on the face, eyelashes, and scalp. They are microscopic and commonly live on healthy adults.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds mainly on sebum, skin-cell debris, and follicular contents.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly active at night, moving between follicles on the skin surface; populations can increase with age or oily skin. They reproduce within follicles and are usually unnoticed.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless and may help consume cellular debris. Heavy overgrowth can be associated with folliculitis, itching, redness, or blepharitis, but this image alone cannot confirm their presence.