Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae
Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (roughly the size of a pinhead)

Natural Habitat
Found globally in lawns, gardens, and grassy areas; they often enter buildings through cracks in foundations or windows during spring and autumn.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of more than 200 different plant species, including grass, clover, and ornamental flowers.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active in cooler temperatures. They reproduce via parthenogenesis (without males), laying eggs in cracks or crevices. When crushed, they leave a distinct red stain due to their body pigments.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or pets, nor do they transmit diseases. They are considered a nuisance pest because they can cause unsightly red stains on walls, carpets, and fabrics if crushed.
Identified on: 3/13/2026