Damson 🌿I learned about these mites recently, and they are super cute! Apparently most humans have these chubby-legged little mites living in our hair follicles, where they feed on sebum. There are two Demodex species that only live on humans: Demodex folliculorum, the one on the left in the drawing with the longer tail, and Demodex brevis, the stubbier one on the right. They're considered commensals rather than parasites as they generally don't do humans any harm.
I love thinking about organisms as habitat for other smaller organisms, it's so cool! Especially when it's a mutualistic or commensal relationship 💚
