Subclass Acari Family Tetranychidae Rank Species | Genus Bryobia Higher classification Bryobia | |
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Similar Bryobia, Spider mite, Berry bugs, Boxelder bug, Arachnid | ||
Description
Clover mites are 0.75–0.85 millimetres (0.030–0.033 in) long, oval shaped arachnids with a pair of long legs pointing forward often mistaken for antennae. They are reddish brown; the younger ones and the eggs are a bright red. They are extremely common in late spring.
Ecology
Clover mites are polyphagous, feeding on a wide range of plants including "lawn grasses, ornamental flowers, clover, dandelion, shepherd's purse, strawberry, daffodil, Salvia, Alyssum, and primrose". They are especially numerous in lawns with a heavy growth of succulent, well-fertilized grass. They do not cause any apparent harm to turf grass, but their feeding activity can turn the grass a silvery color and may stipple plants when heavy populations are present.
Clover mites can become a nuisance in and around houses. They generally enter houses close to thick vegetation and can infiltrate houses in very large numbers through cracks and small openings around windows and doors. Whether indoors or outside, clover mites are found more commonly in sunny areas than in darker areas. If squashed, they will leave a characteristic red stain caused by their pigmentation.
