Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: Approximately 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (about the size of a pinhead).

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Typically found on grass and clover, around foundations, on window sills, and across exterior walls; they often enter buildings during the spring and autumn.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on the juices of more than 200 different species of plants, particularly clover, lawn grasses, and ornamental flowers.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in cooler weather and undergo a parthenogenic life cycle, meaning eggs hatch into females without fertilization. They tend to crawl in large groups and leave a red stain if crushed.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not transmit disease. They are considered a nuisance pest because they can leave reddish stains on fabrics and carpets and their presence in large numbers can be distressing for homeowners.

Identified on: 3/6/2026