Community identification
Clover Mite
Bryobia praetiosa
- Order & Family
- Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae
- Size
- 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (smaller than a pinhead)
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.