Trombidium holosericeum

Trombidium holosericeum is a species of mite in the genus Trombidium, commonly called the velvet mite. This species is one of the largest mites in northern temperate zones, with a body length of about 4 mm. Its bright red color results from carotenoids, warning predators about the toxicity of the mite. While adults live freely and are often found wandering about, searching for small animals and insect eggs for food, the larvae try to find a host to attach themselves to, often an insect like a grasshopper or diptere, but also arachnids like harvestmen or spiders.

photo credits: Jörg Hempel