red velvet mites

(Trombidium spp.)

Overview
red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)
Photo by Kirk Nelson
 

Trombidium is a genus of small parasitic arachnids known as red velvet mites. It is very widespread, occurring on every continent except Antarctica. It is most common in northern Europe and in North America. In the United States it is common east of the Great Plains and west of the Rocky Mountains, scattered and uncommon between. It is common in Minnesota. There are at least 35 living and 1 fossilized Trombidium species worldwide, and at least three species in North America north of Mexico.

Adults are found in moist woods on vegetation, in forest litter, and on soil. They feed on other mites, primitive wingless insects, and eggs of insects and snails. Larvae are parasitic on insects, spiders, harvestmen, and scorpions. Some species live for several years, while other species live for just one year. The female scatters eggs on the surface of the soil. When the eggs hatch, the larvae search for a host to feed on.

 
           
 
Description
 
 

Red velvet mites are small arachnids but large mites. Adults are (3 mm to 4 mm) in length and oval to more or less rounded rectangular in shape. They are bright red and and densely covered with short, velvety hairs. This is the feature that gives the genus its common name. Adults have four pairs of legs. Juveniles have just three pairs.

 
     
 
Distribution
 
 

Distribution Map

 

Sources

24, 29, 30, 82.

 
  11/7/2023      
         
 
Taxonomy
 
  Class Arachnida (arachnids)  
  Subclass Acari (mites and ticks)  
  Superorder Acariformes  
 

Order

Trombidiformes (trombidiform mites)  
 

Suborder

Prostigmata (prostigs)  
  Infraorder Trombidia (velvet mites, chiggers, and relatives)  
 

Superfamily

Trombidioidea (velvet mites and chiggers)  
 

Family

Trombidiidae (true velvet mites)  
 

Subfamily

Trombidiinae  
       
 

Subordinate Taxa

 
 

red velvet mite (Trombidium auroraense)

red velvet mite (Trombidium grandissimum)

red velvet mite (Trombidium hyperi)

 
       
 

Synonyms

 
 

Atomus

Holothrombium

Metathrombium

Sericothrombium

Teresothrombium

Thrombidium

Trombidion

 
       
 

Common Names

 
 

red velvet mite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Visitor Photos
 
           
 

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Jeff Holm

 
  I observed a Red Velvet Mite in Northeast Sherburne County one mile South of the Rum River near a wetland in a stand of poplar tree next to Lake Margritte on 11/05/2023.   red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)  
           
    red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)   red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)  
 

Tori

 
 

I think this is what it is... I have attached a picture.

 
    red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)   red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)  
           
    red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)      
 

Kirk Nelson

 
    red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)      
           
 
MinnesotaSeasons.com Photos
 
 

 

 
           

 

Camera

     
 
Slideshows
 
Trombidium
Leif Karlsson
  Trombidium  

 

slideshow

       
 
Visitor Videos
 
       
 

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Other Videos
 
  Secrets of the Red Velvet Mite
Will Forester
 
   
 
About

Published on Oct 21, 2015

Though these little critters may be more abundant than we realise, their minuscule size makes them almost impossible to see among the undergrowth & leaf litter of the forest. Unless of course, as in this rare occasion, they're out in force & hunting for their prey. On this particular walk we spotted no less than 30 to 35 of them in a relatively small area. So, there's no surprise that I had to take every opportunity I had & film & photograph as many as I could. To see a detailed collection of the photographs, head to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/underamushroom

or visit my website at
www.underamushroom.com

   

 

Camcorder

 
 
Visitor Sightings
 
           
 

Report a sighting of this insect.

 
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Simply email us at info@MinnesotaSeasons.com.
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  Jeff Holm
11/5/2023

Location: Sherburne County

I observed a Red Velvet Mite in Northeast Sherburne County one mile South of the Rum River near a wetland in a stand of poplar tree next to Lake Margritte on 11/05/2023.

red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)  
  Erin
5/10/2022

Location: 55376

wooded area

 
  Tori
4/29/2022

Location: Hinckley, Pine County

I think this is what it is... I have attached a picture.

red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)  
  Brock Soukkala
6/6/2018

Location: jordan MN river bottoms.

10 or more 

 
  Kirk Nelson
4/20/2014

Location: Crosby Farm Regional Park

red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.)

 
           
 
MinnesotaSeasons.com Sightings
 
 

 

 

 

 

Binoculars


Created 1/7/2018

Last Updated:

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