Bug Identifier
Clover Mite
Community identification

Clover Mite

Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family
Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae
Size
0.7 mm to 0.9 mm (smaller than a pinhead)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in lush lawns, clover-rich landscapes, and frequently crawl onto building foundations, walls, and indoor surfaces during spring and fall.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of more than 200 different plant species including grasses, clover, and various weeds.

Behavior Patterns

They are extremely active during the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. They do not bite humans or pets but can invade homes in large numbers. They reproduce through parthenogenesis (females can reproduce without males).

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets as they are not parasites and do not carry disease. Their main risk is aesthetic; crushing them leaves a permanent red stain on fabrics, carpets, and wallpapers due to their body pigments.