Bryobia praetiosa

Bryobia praetiosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Acari
Order: Trombidiformes
Family: Tetranychidae
Genus: Bryobia
Species: B. praetiosa
Binomial name
Bryobia praetiosa

The Clover mite (Bryobia praetiosa) is a species of mite.

Description

Clover mites are 0.75–0.85 mm (0.030–0.033 in) long, oval shaped arachnids with a pair of long legs pointing forward often mistaken for antennae.[2] 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".[2] 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 leave a characteristic red stain caused by their pigmentation.

References

  1. ↑ "Species Bryobia praetiosa Koch, 1835". Australian Faunal Directory. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. October 9, 2008. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Gomez, Celina; Mizell, Russell F. (September 2008). "Clover Mite Bryobia praetiosa Koch". Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. EENY 437. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
  • Arnarsdóttir, Eygló Svala (May 25, 2007). "Red invasion". Iceland Review Online. Retrieved July 5, 2007.
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