Red Velvet Mite
Scientific Name: Trombidium holosericeum
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Trombidiidae
Size: Commonly 2 to 4 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found in soil, leaf litter, and garden surfaces such as stones or paths.
Diet & Feeding
As adults, they are predators of other small invertebrates and insect eggs. As larvae, they are parasites on insects like grasshoppers or beetles.
Behavior Patterns
They are known for their bright red color which serves as a warning to predators. They emerge after rain and are active during the day.
Risks & Benefits
They are harmless to humans and pets, as they do not bite or sting people. They benefit the ecosystem by controlling the population of other small insects and mites.
Identified on: 6/11/2026