
Community identification
Likely clover mite
Bryobia praetiosa
- Order & Family
- Trombidiformes; Tetranychidae
- Size
- About 0.7–1 mm long; usually red to reddish-brown and difficult to see clearly without magnification.
Natural Habitat
Lawns, gardens, soil, and vegetation; often wanders indoors around windows and exterior walls.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds by rasping and sucking plant-cell contents from grasses, clover, and other plants; it does not bite humans or animals.
Behavior Patterns
Most active in cool weather, especially spring and fall, and may occur in large numbers. It reproduces mainly by unfertilized eggs and can enter buildings through cracks and windows.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to people, pets, and structures; crushed mites may leave reddish stains. Heavy outdoor infestations can discolor or damage turf and ornamental plants.