Red Velvet Mite

Commonly found in soil, leaf litter, and garden beds; often emerges on the surface after rain or on bright sunny days.

Adults are active predators that eat small insects and insect eggs. Larvae are parasites that attach to other arthropods.

Known for their bright red color as a warning (aposematism). They spend most of their time underground, emerging to hunt or mate after rain.

Harmless to humans; they do not bite or sting. They are highly beneficial to ecosystems as they help control populations of pests like springtails and fungus gnats.