Demodex folliculorum

Demodex folliculorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Trombidiformes
Family: Demodecidae
Genus: Demodex
Species:
D. folliculorum
Binomial name
Demodex folliculorum
(Simon, 1842)
Synonyms
  • Acarus folliculorum Simon, 1842

Demodex folliculorum is a microscopic mite that can survive only on the skin of humans. Most people host D. folliculorum on their skin particularly on the face, where sebaceous glands are most concentrated. Usually, the mites are considered an example of commensalism rather than parasitism; however they can cause disease, known as demodicosis or DB Demodex Blepharitis when in high number.