Mites are arthropods, they have a hard exoskeleton (because they are invertebrates), jointed appendages, and a segmented body. As of today, there are about 50,000 different kinds of mites recognized worldwide. All mites belong to the subclass Acari, also known as Acarina, and class Arachnida.
Mites are found everywhere. They can survive in almost any habitat, from the depths of the sea to the surface of Antarctica. Different species have very different feeding habits, some are parasites, others are predators, and others feed on plants and organic waste. The key to their success is their tiny size: many species are impossible to see without magnification.
The red velvet mite, belonging to the family Trombidiidae, is no bigger than the head of a pin. Yet despite this, it is one of the largest species of mites known to us. There are thousands of species of the red velvet mite. Their bodies are bright red and covered with very fine hair, giving them a velvety look, which is exactly where their name comes from.
Description
The adult red velvet mites have velvety hair all over their bodies. These hairs act as feelers, helping the mite sense its surroundings. Adults have four pairs of legs. They use the front two legs to judge their movements and to feel their way around. They also have a pair of eyes.
The larvae of red velvet mites have only three pairs of legs, one fewer than the adults. Although arthropods in general have clearly separate body segments, red velvet mites have their two body segments fused into one. They also have chelicerae, a pair of pointed, fang-like appendages used for feeding. They use these to suck food from their hosts.
Habitat
The two most well-known species of red velvet mite are:
- Trombidium holosericeum, found in the Palearctic ecozone, the largest ecozone on Earth, covering Europe, Northern Africa, the northern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia.
- Trombidium grandissimum, or the giant red velvet mite, reported to be abundant in the northern parts of India.
Generally, red velvet mites are found in dry environments such as deserts. But they are also found in soil litter, on plant leaves, and on logs of decaying wood.
One of the most interesting things about red velvet mites is their behavior during rainfall. They live under the surface of the earth, and once it starts to rain, they suddenly emerge from beneath the ground in large numbers. It can seem like they appear from nowhere.
Feeding Habits and Behavior
The larvae of the red velvet mites are primarily parasites. They survive by feeding on their hosts, which include dragonflies, crickets, and grasshoppers.
The adults, on the other hand, are predators. They have a remarkable ability to sense prey through vibrations and through the chemical substances that their prey secretes. Despite being predators themselves, there are very few animals that prey on red velvet mites, possibly because they taste really bad.
Interestingly, adults are also known to feed on each other. And sometimes the situation reverses: adult mites become the hosts for their own larvae, which are parasitic by nature.
Red velvet mites are most active during the daytime. Once the sun sets, they vanish underneath the soil and cannot be seen at night. They also hibernate during winter and do not appear on the surface of the earth in the cold months.
Most importantly, red velvet mites are absolutely harmless to human beings. On the contrary, studies suggest that they have certain medicinal properties. In North India, dried red velvet mites are sold in the markets and are believed to have medicinal uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are red velvet mites dangerous to humans?
No, red velvet mites are absolutely harmless to humans. In fact, studies suggest they have certain medicinal properties.
How many species of mites exist worldwide?
As of today, there are about 50,000 different kinds of mites recognized worldwide.
Where do red velvet mites live?
Red velvet mites are generally found in dry environments such as deserts, but also in soil litter, on plant leaves, and on logs of decaying wood. They live underground and emerge after rain.
What are the 'love gardens' of red velvet mites?
Scientists call them love gardens, spots where male red velvet mites deposit their spermatophore on grass blades or plant stalks, then create intricate silken trails to invite females.
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Mating and Reproduction
Red velvet mites are famous for their elaborate mating ritual. The adult males deposit their spermatophore (a package of sperm) on grass blades, small twigs, or plant stalks. Scientists have given these spots a wonderfully fitting name: 'love gardens'.
To invite females to the spot, the male makes an intricate silken trail leading from the love garden out into the surroundings. When a female stumbles upon this trail, she follows it. If she is impressed, she sits on the spermatophore.
However, if another adult male mite discovers the trail first, he follows it, destroys the spermatophore, and deposits his own in its place. This male competition is fierce and constant.
In general, the breeding season runs from March through July. Some species also lay eggs during autumn. The number of eggs laid at one time varies enormously by species, usually between 60 and 100,000 eggs.
The gestation period is about one or two months. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae do not disperse immediately, they stay in place for a few days in what is called the pre-larva stage. As larvae, they are parasitic and feed on hosts such as crickets, dragonflies, and grasshoppers. Once they grow into adults, they move underground and wait for rain before emerging again.
Medicinal Uses
In northern India, the oil extracted from the giant red velvet mite (Trombidium grandissimum) is considered useful for treating paralysis. It is also used as an aphrodisiac.
In their larval stage, red velvet mites infest insects that are harmful pests to crops. This means they help control pest populations and benefit agriculture. As minuscule as they are, these gorgeous-looking mites are genuinely useful to people.
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Fun fact for today!The bright red color of the red velvet mite is a warning to predators, it tells them these mites can be really nasty!