Bug Identifier
Clover Mite
Community identification

Clover Mite

Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family
Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae
Size
Very small, approximately 0.75 mm - 0.85 mm in length (smaller than a pinhead).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Often found on lawns, clover, grasses, and weeds. They frequently invade homes in large numbers during spring and autumn, crawling around windows, doors, and siding.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on plant juices from clover, grasses, and other vegetation.

Behavior Patterns

They are active during cooler weather in spring and fall. They become dormant (aestivate) during hot summer months and hibernate during winter. They often migrate indoors when their outdoor host plants dry up or are cut.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets (no biting or disease transmission). They are primarily a nuisance zest, as crushing them leaves red stains on fabrics and walls due to their pigmentation. They can cause minor damage to lawns.