Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm long (smaller than a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed globally, found on lawns, plants, and often crawling on the exterior or interior walls of buildings.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of over 200 different plant species, especially lawn grasses and clover.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active during the spring and fall. These mites reproduce through parthenogenesis (all individuals are female, and eggs hatch without fertilization). When crushed, they leave a distinct red stain from their body pigments.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not cause structural damage or disease. They are considered a nuisance pest because they can invade homes in large numbers and may stain fabrics/carpets if crushed.

Identified on: 3/13/2026