Demodex
Genus of mites that live on mammals / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quick Facts Demodex, Scientific classification ...
Demodex | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
Class: | Arachnida |
Order: | Trombidiformes |
Family: | Demodecidae |
Genus: | Demodex Owen, 1843[1] |
Type species | |
Acarus folliculorum Simon, 1842 | |
Species | |
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Demodex /ˈdɛmədɛks/ is a genus of tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. Around 65 species of Demodex are known.[2] Two species live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both frequently referred to as eyelash mites, alternatively face mites or skin mites.[3]
Different species of animals host different species of Demodex. Demodex canis lives on the domestic dog. The presence of Demodex species on mammals is common and usually does not cause any symptoms. Demodex is derived from Greek δημός (dēmos) 'fat' and δήξ, δηκός (dēx, dēkós) 'woodworm'.[4][5][6]