Page "Parasyte" Paragraph 11

Although the head of a Parasite-controlled body may appear to be made of normal human flesh, bone, and hair, it is not.

Every cell of a Parasite-controlled body part is alive, and small hair and tissue samples removed from the Parasite will quickly cry out, wither, and die.

Parasites can be identified by plucking strands of hair or with an X-ray which reveals a head with no bone tissue inside.

In this regard, as well as in their ability to suddenly create bizarre shapes out of normal human features, the Parasites bear a strong resemblance to those in The Thing.

Occasionally, a Parasite displays the ability to temporarily detach itself, or part of itself, from its human host, crawling on makeshift legs to escape danger or surprise an opponent.

Both Migi and Reiko have demonstrated this skill.