Velvet Mite (Trombidium sp.)

Order: Acari (AK-ar-ee) (Info) Family: Trombidiidae Genus: Trombidium Species: sp. Profile: 1 positive No neutrals No negatives Regional... This bug has been reportedly found in the following regions: Saint David, Arizona Bucyrus, Ohio Corning, Ohio Member Notes: Rating Author Comment Positive DiOhio On Feb 2, 2008, DiOhio from Corning, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: These mites are easily recognized by their red coloring and velvety hair. Adults eat insect eggs, and larvae, known as red bugs, are parasites of insects, spiders, daddy-long-legs, and scorpions. Many are found in moist woods, others in deserts. Velvet mite eggs are scattered on soil. Larvae find a host and begin to feed. Nymphs and adults are predacious. These mites help keep the insect population in check, which makes them beneficial.

By DiOhio By DiOhio