Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insect relatives under ½ long > Velvet mites

Velvet mites

Trombidiidae family

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Description: 1/16 - 1/8 inch long. Tiny, bright red, and has a "spider-like" appearance.

Where/When: Found on the soil surface. Active during spring.

Significance: Beneficial as predators on small arthropods. Harmless to people and plants.

More information on Velvet mites