Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Trombidiformes, Tetranychidae

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

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Grassy lawns, well-fertilized meadows, and often found on sunny exterior walls or windowsills.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they suck sap from over 200 different plant species including grasses, clover, and shrubs.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in spring and fall. They do not bite people but leave a characteristic red stain when crushed due to the pigments in their body.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered a nuisance pest when they invade homes in large numbers. They do not pose health risks to humans or pets but can stain indoor surfaces.

Identified on: 6/19/2026