Henk Egbertzen
Netherlands
Velvet
(Velvet mites) Latin name: Trombidium holosericeum Size: Approximately 5mms Distribution: Found throughout the Netherlands Months seen: April to October Food: Tiny insects and other mites Habitat: Gardens and deciduous woods Special features: These arachnids are often seen wandering on bare soil or through grass. They are bright red and covered in tiny hairs which gives them a velvet appearance - hence the name. Like other mites, they have no antennae. The front pair of legs are used as feelers to check where they're going.The larvae are parasitic. After hatching from eggs laid in the soil, they latch themselves onto passing spiders or insects and suck their blood. They do not injure their hosts, and after a while drop off. They then burrow into the soil, moult and emerge as adults.
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