Species: Red Velvet Mite (Trombidiidae sp.)
Family: Velvet Mites (TROMBIDIIDAE)
Category: Arachnids
Location: Widespread
A. Arachnids
More extensive information on arachnids can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Velvet Mites (TROMBIDIIDAE)
Velvet Mite species are numbered in the thousands, and there are between 45,000 and 48,000 different species of Mites. They range in size from microscopic to about half a centimetre in length. They are eight-legged creatures, and are thus arachnids. Some are parasites, some are predators. Many can live deep within soil; others can live in water and survive freezing and desert environments.
C. Red Velvet Mite (Trombidiidae sp.)
It is almost impossible to identify which exact species of Trombidiidae this individual is without detailed examination and expert knowledge, but it is safe to say that it is, loosely-speaking, a Red Velvet Mite. It is common and widespread in Britain and can usually be found in leaf litter. In close up photographs, which we lack, these critters are covered in hairs (setae) which gives them their middle name. These are not Red Spider Mites, which are sap-feeding mites, considered to be pests.
For a detailed - and comical view - of the Red Velvet Mite, don’t miss the Oatmeal’s take.
Images
Red Velvet Mite
Red Velvet Mites are common and widespread in Britain and can usually be found in leaf litter.
