Bug Identifier
Face mite (or Eyelash mite)
Community identification

Face mite (or Eyelash mite)

Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis

Order & Family
Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Demodicidae
Size
0.15 mm to 0.4 mm in length (microscopic and generally invisible to the naked eye).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Human skin, specifically residing in or near hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands on the face, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on sebum (skin oils) and dead skin cells.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal, emerging from follicles at night to move across the skin surface and mate. They lay eggs inside the follicles or glands. They are permanent ectoparasites of humans.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless (commensal) and part of the normal skin microbiome. However, overgrowth (demodicosis) can lead to skin irritation, itching, or conditions like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and may be linked to rosacea.