Bug Identifier
Likely clover mite
Community identification

Likely clover mite

Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family
Trombidiformes, Tetranychidae (spider-mite family)
Size
About 0.7–1 mm long, usually reddish-brown and difficult to see clearly.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Common on grasses, clover, lawns, garden plants, and sunny building exteriors; often enters homes through screens and windows.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds by piercing plant cells and sucking sap, especially from turfgrass, clover, and other low vegetation.

Behavior Patterns

Most active in cool spring and autumn weather, often appearing in large numbers on sunny surfaces. They do not reproduce indoors and are easily crushed, leaving reddish stains.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to people, pets, and buildings; they do not bite or transmit disease. Heavy populations may discolor or weaken plants slightly, while serving as minor prey for predatory mites and insects.