Demodex folliculorum

Demodex - Demodecidae • Prostigmata • Arachnida (parasites/med.) • veterinary/medical pests • pests-diseases-weeds

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follicle mite (Demodex folliculorum) (click on image to enlarge it)
Author: A.J.E. Terzi, ca. 1919
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Demodex folliculorum (Simon, 1842)

This hair follicle mite is a common parasite of humans, living in hair follicles. It is usually not harmful, but under certain conditions can cause temporary or more chronic skin irritations (demodicosis), often associated with a disorder of the immune system. In contrast to Demodex brevis which is also found on humans, D. folliculorum occurs typically close to the skin surface.

The mites are elongated and worm-like, around 300 µm long with 4 pairs of short legs. They feed on small skin fragments and sebum.