Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (smaller than a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in turfgrass, clover-rich lawns, and on building surfaces such as windowsills and walls.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on the sap of more than 200 different plant species, especially lawn grasses and clover.

Behavior Patterns

Known for mass migrations into homes during spring and autumn; they are parthenogenetic, meaning the population consists entirely of females that lay unfertilized eggs.

Risks & Benefits

They are nuisance pests that do not bite humans or pets but can leave red stains on fabrics and walls if crushed. They play a minor role in the soil ecosystem as decomposers.

Identified on: 6/22/2026