
Community identification
Clover Mite
Bryobia praetiosa
- Order & Family
- Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae
- Size
- 0.7 mm to 0.9 mm (smaller than a pinhead)
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.