Human follicle mite

💡 Everyday Comparisons for Size, Mass & Speed

• 💡 Its maximum body length of 0.39 mm is smaller than the thickness of a 0.5 mm mechanical pencil lead (Comparison). It is small enough to sit inside a hair follicle.
• 💡 Animal Diversity Web explains that this mite spends its whole life on the human body and cannot be acquired from animals other than humans. Because it lives with humans without causing harm, their relationship is regarded as commensal.

Reference standards: coach bus ~12 m, mid-size car ~4.9 m, compact car ~1 t, basketball hoop 3.05 m, credit card 8.56 cm.