Inbreeding mites that live, eat and have sex on the human face and nipples? It may sound like the perfect recipe for a horror movie, but the creatures do exist and may soon “become one with humans,” according to researchers.
Demodex folliculorum mites are eight-legged mites found on human follicles, including eyebrows, lashes and the hair on nipples and genitalia, and are carried by almost every human. They are commonly known as face mites.
While they are usually harmless, researchers from the University of Reading, in a study quoted by Daily Mail, have discovered a worrying trend while sequencing their genome for the first time: inbreeding is causing the mites “to shed unnecessary genes and cells” and they are transitioning from external parasites to “internal symbionts” that live within humans.
The study set out to examine their body features, evolutionary future and bizarre mating habits, according to the site.
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‘Face mites’ that live, breed on humans may soon ‘become one’ with us: study
They live on human follicles and move between them looking for a mate
Inbreeding mites that live, eat and have sex on the human face and nipples? It may sound like the perfect recipe for a horror movie, but the creatures do exist and may soon “become one with humans,” according to researchers.
Demodex folliculorum mites are eight-legged mites found on human follicles, including eyebrows, lashes and the hair on nipples and genitalia, and are carried by almost every human. They are commonly known as face mites.
While they are usually harmless, researchers from the University of Reading, in a study quoted by Daily Mail, have discovered a worrying trend while sequencing their genome for the first time: inbreeding is causing the mites “to shed unnecessary genes and cells” and they are transitioning from external parasites to “internal symbionts” that live within humans.
The study set out to examine their body features, evolutionary future and bizarre mating habits, according to the site.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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