Skin/hair bug looks like a lobster?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the identification of a microscopic organism that resembles a lobster, potentially living on human skin or hair. Participants explore the nature of these organisms, specifically focusing on mites, and share information about their characteristics and behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls a documentary about microscopic "bugs" on human skin or hair, suggesting it may resemble a lobster.
  • Another participant proposes that the organism is likely a mite.
  • Some participants agree that it should be a mite, noting that chelicerates are closely related to crustaceans like lobsters.
  • Details are provided about two species of Demodex mites that inhabit human skin, with one living in hair follicles and the other in oil glands, both exhibiting nocturnal activity.
  • Links to images and additional information about eyelash mites are shared by participants.
  • A humorous pun about "mite" is introduced in response to the discussion about mites.
  • One participant expresses discomfort, mentioning itching in their eyebrows and eyelashes after reading the posts and viewing the links.
  • Another participant comments on the potential for other animals that could be linked to the discussion, suggesting a broader range of organisms could be considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the organism in question is likely a mite, but there is no consensus on the specific identity or implications of these organisms. The discussion remains open with multiple viewpoints and some humor interspersed.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific species and behaviors of mites but do not resolve the initial question about the organism resembling a lobster. The discussion includes personal experiences and reactions to the topic.

1plus1is10
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Years ago I remember watching a "documentary?" on TV about our skin or hair (my best guess is hair). It was about all of the microscopic "bugs" that live on us. And the best I remember, there was one that looked like a lobster.

Anyone know the name of this "bug"?
(I've tried Google with no success.)

Thanks
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Most likely some mite.
 
Agree, it should've been a mite. Chelicerates are very related to crustaceans such as lobsters.
 
There are two species of Demodex mites that live, breed, and die on our skin. One species lives most of it life head down in hair follicles, The other in oil glands, head down. Their wanderings are more pronounced at night. As you age you eventually develop your own personal load of these little guys.

Pictures and a "popular" version of these beasties:

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/n...crawl-and-have-sex-on-your-face/#.UOoY9sU8CSo
 
1plus1is10 said:
Anyone know the name of this "bug"?
Borek said:
Most likely some mite.

Lol... that mite be a good pun??


OCR
 
jim mcnamara said:
There are two species of Demodex mites that live, breed, and die on our skin. One species lives most of it life head down in hair follicles, The other in oil glands, head down. Their wanderings are more pronounced at night. As you age you eventually develop your own personal load of these little guys.

Pictures and a "popular" version of these beasties:

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/n...crawl-and-have-sex-on-your-face/#.UOoY9sU8CSo

Evo said:
Thanks guys. My eyebrows and eyelashes have been itching constantly since I read your posts and clicked your links.
 
Fredrik said:
Thanks guys. My eyebrows and eyelashes have been itching constantly since I read your posts and clicked your links.

You should be glad its eyebrows and eyelashes, there are other animals that we could link to.
 

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