Ground surfaces, litter and garden structures; photographed in Henderson County.
A sensible first response
Let this tiny arachnid continue its journey; preserve leaf litter and avoid unnecessary spraying.
When to look
September observation. Activity differs among mite groups and with moisture.
Identification
Four photographs show a bright red arachnid with a plump, finely hairy body and eight legs, consistent with a red velvet mite. It lacks the insect body plan. The photographs do not show the microscopic features needed for a species or secure family determination.
Lookalikes & limits
Several red mite lineages, including Trombidiidae and related groups, can look alike. Clover mites are much smaller and have conspicuously elongated front legs; a scale reference would help.
In the garden
Many velvet mites are predators of small arthropods as free-living adults; life histories vary.
LOOK CLOSELY
Two views, a closer look.
Place two photographs beside one another. Compare the overall plant with leaves, flowers, or bark when those views are available. Captions identify what each photograph actually shows. Images are not at the same scale; species references may show different cultivars.
Red Velvet MiteHollyRed Velvet MiteHollyRed Velvet MiteHollyRed Velvet MiteHolly
Your margin of the garden.
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