Community identification
House Dust Mite
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
- Order & Family
- Sarcoptiformes: Pyroglyphidae
- Size
- 0.2–0.3 mm (mostly invisible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Domestic environments, specifically beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Sloughed-off human and animal skin scales (dander).
Behavior Patterns
Prefer warm, humid conditions; they produce fecal pellets that contain digestive enzymes like Der p1.
Risks & Benefits
Common cause of allergies and asthma in humans due to inhalation of fecal matter and exoskeletons.