Demodex Mite (likely a desiccated or skin plug specimen)
Scientific Name: Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Demodicidae
Size: Microscopic; adults range from 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found exclusively on mammals, specifically inside hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the human face (cheeks, nose, forehead, eyelashes, and eyebrows).
Diet & Feeding
They feed on dead skin cells, sebum (facial oil), and hormones available within hair follicles.
Behavior Patterns
These mites are nocturnal, emerging onto the skin surface at night to mate before retreating back into follicles to lay eggs. They spend their entire life cycle on the host.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless commensals present on nearly all humans; however, overpopulation can cause demodicosis, contributing to skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), or itching. No benefits other than potentially cleaning dead skin cells.
Identified on: 2/12/2026