Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2131823

Human Face Mite

Demodex brevis

Also known as Short Face Mite, Sebaceous Gland Mite

These microscopic arachnids inhabit the sebaceous glands connected to hair follicles across human facial skin, particularly around the nose, eyelids, and forehead. With semi-translucent, elongated bodies and eight stubby clawed legs, individuals emerge nocturnally onto the skin surface to mate before females return deep into glandular ducts to deposit eggs. Virtually every adult human hosts a thriving, benign population that survives primarily by digesting secreted sebum.

MicroscopicCommensalNocturnal
Human Face Mite reference
Licensed reference(c) Gilles San Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Gilles San Martin · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Human sebum
  • Skin epithelial cells
ThreatsTopical acaricides, deep cleansers, and host immune inflammation
HabitatsHuman sebaceous glands and Meibomian glands
Life span14–18 days
Classification
  1. FamilyDemodecidae
  2. SpeciesDemodex brevis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless natural commensal of human skin; poses no direct threat.
Responsible observation
  • Microscopic Viewing: Mount skin sebum scrapings in mineral oil under high magnification to spot live adults.
  • Skin Care: Maintain routine gentle face washing to balance facial oils without damaging the skin barrier.
Related species
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