Bug Identifier
Likely clover mite
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.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.