Brilliant scarlet-velvet arachnids about a quarter-inch long that emerge en masse after spring rains. Despite the "mite" name, they're ecologically critical detritivores — and their dense red color is intentional warning to predators.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Trombidiidae, also known as red velvet mites, true velvet mites, or rain bugs, are small arachnids found in plant litter and are known for their bright red color.
Source: Wikipedia — Trombidiidae Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Brilliant red velvet-textured mite about pinhead-sized; four pairs of legs (vs. three pairs in insects); rounded body.
Similar species. Other Trombidiidae species (similar appearance; minor differences). Chiggers (microscopic; different family).
Voice. N/A
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Larval mites: parasitic on insects and other arthropods. Adult mites: predatory on small invertebrates, insect eggs.
Behavior. Among the most strikingly colored mites in North America. Larvae attach to insect hosts (especially grasshoppers, crickets) and feed on body fluids; mature mites are free-living. Brilliant red velvet coloration (dense pile of hairs) gives the common name. Population explosions can occur after heavy rains; suddenly large numbers appear on soil surfaces.
§ Range
Throughout North American forests
§ Habitat
Forest leaf litter, especially after spring rains
§ Threats
Pesticide drift, soil compaction, forest clearance.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the red velvet mite is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Maintain leaf litter. Avoid forest soil disturbance. Skip lawn pesticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Trombidiidae
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Trombidiidae sp.
- iNaturalist · taxon 51286
- IUCN Red List — search for Trombidiidae sp.
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Trombidiidae sp.
§ Sources cited
- BugGuide
- American Arachnological Society
- iNaturalist
