Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae
Size: 0.75 - 0.9 mm (about the size of a pinhead)

Natural Habitat
Commonly found in lush lawns, grassy areas, and on sun-exposed sides of buildings. They often accidentally enter homes during spring and autumn.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of more than 200 species of plants, including clover, grasses, and ornamental shrubs.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active in the spring and fall. They do not bite people but can leave behind a bright red stain when crushed, which is the pigment from their body, not blood.
Risks & Benefits
They are harmless to humans and pets as they do not transmit disease. They are primarily a nuisance pest because they can stain indoor fabrics, carpets, and curtains when crushed.
Identified on: 4/4/2026