Clover Mites
Common Name
Scientific Name
Clover Mite
Bryobia praetiosa
Identification:
A Clover Mite is an inset that feed on plants, when found indoors they are considered a nuisance but cause no harm to humans, food, or a homeowners belongings. They are very small oval shaped insects only about the size of a pin head full grown, varying in color reddish-brown to olive to pale orange or sometimes green-brown after feeding. They have 8 legs, with the two front legs protruding forward which some people mistake for antennae or feelers. There are featherlike plates on the body and fan-shaped like hairs along the back edge of the body when viewed under a magnifying glass. The young and eggs of the Clover Mite are even smaller than the adults and are bright red.
Biology:
The Clover Mite young are produced by unfertilized eggs, meaning no male is needed to reproduce. Females will lay about 70 eggs either in masses or singly, she will lay these eggs in cracks and
faults in concrete foundations, in mortar crevices, between the building walls, under loose bark of trees, and other protected places. During the summer the eggs will lay dormant until the autumn when the temperature cools to 85 degrees F. Once the eggs hatch the young go through two nymphal stages before they are full grown adults. During one year a female can produce up to three generations, mostly only two. Mites may live one to seven months depending on climatic conditions. Most mites overwinter as eggs, but all life stages can be present. Overwintering eggs hatch in early spring.
Habits:
Clover Mites are outdoor insects but may infest homes and become a bothersome pest. When found outdoors they may be seen behind tree bark, in well fertilized grass, vegetation around homes, and on foundation walls. When the host plants, which includes grasses, clover, dandelion, shepherd's purse, strawberry and iris, have been cut down or are all gone they may invade the home. You may see them crawling in window sills, on the walls, or around doors. Clover Mites are very temperature sensitive so when the cold weather begins to roll in they try to find warmth in homes near to where they feed.
