Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (about the size of a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Grassy areas, lawns, and gardens; often found crawling on sunny exterior walls, windowsills, and masonry.

Diet & Feeding

Plant-derived juices; they feed on over 200 different plant species including grasses, clover, and certain trees/shrubs.

Behavior Patterns

Parthenogenetic (females produce eggs without mating). They are most active during spring and fall in cooler temperatures, often migrating into buildings in large numbers for shelter.

Risks & Benefits

They are nuisance pests that do not bite humans or pets. The primary risk is aesthetic, as they leave a difficult-to-remove red stain if crushed on fabrics or walls.

Identified on: 6/2/2026