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Trombidium grandissimum
Velvet mites are arachnids found in soil litter known for their bright red colours but are often mistaken for spiders. They are active predators as grown adults but early instars are often parasites on insects.
It folds its legs when it comes in contact with a predator. The act is to protect the legs but also to place them in front of main internal organs. It can be clearly observed when picked up. It will unfold its legs and start moving once it feels that it's out of danger; and can be observed walking again after some minutes if left untouched.
The oil from red velvet mite "Trombidium grandissimum" is useful for paralysis. Also, due to its alleged ability to increase sexual desire, Trombidium is named as ‘Indian Viagra’ The mites are visible in large numbers early in the Monsoon season and so are also called rain mites in the subcontinent. In Gujarat, the term for velvet mite is "Gokal Gaay" or "Mama Ni Gaay". Bir Bahuti is used as an ingredient in traditional Indian medicine.The species Trombidium grandissimum is endemic to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Alternate names for it include Bir Bahuti, Birbaboti, Scarlet Fly, Lady Fly, Velvet Buchi (Telugu term commonly used in Hyderabad, India), 'Aarudra Purugu' (another Telugu word from around Hyderabad, India because one sees them only in the season 'Aarudra'), 'Sadhaba Bohu'('ସାଧବ ବୋହୁ', Oriya term meaning 'Bride of the Seafarer' owing to the red velvet coat and beautiful looks) and Rani Keeda (Hindi/Urdu: Queen Mite)
hehehe, they obviously didn't see me as a predator! I used to have them walking all over me, so cute, and so soft and velvety!
Beautiful :) Looks like an artificial thing...like sth velvety...like a teddy bear :)
Thanks pamsai, they are very funny with their habitat of folding legs when it comes in contact with a predator. The act is to protect the legs but also to place them in front of main internal organs. It can be clearly observed when picked up. It will unfold its legs and start moving once it feels that it's out of danger; and can be observed walking again after some minutes if left untouched.
Oh, when I lived in Goa, the first sighting of a red velvet beetle was cause for celebration. monsoon was not far away! The Goans used to let then walk up their arms, and play with them.
Thanks Yuko Chartraw, Ashish is right about size and they are fast to capture,
Yuko have read my trailing comments...?
These are same size of Cotton Bugs... and very quick in speed.
Find during early days of Monsoon.
Beautiful! It looks like a plush toy! It looks quite big for a mite - how big are they?
nice pics of the small mite Sachin. i find them here among forests and rock surfaces all the time, but its little bit small and little bit fast to take a good pic. :) you have done a great job. :)
Spotted on Jul 6, 2012
Submitted on Jul 6, 2012
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