Red Velvet Mite

Description:

vividly coloured giant mites about 5 to 8mm long; velvety texture

Habitat:

these individuals emerged in the yard (sandy soil) of our 10 acre smallholding on the outskirts of the city, after a night of rain. They were scurrying around on the sand mostly but one or two strayed onto an old mossy concrete area

Notes:

The presence of the bright green moss (also only seen after heavy rain) contrasted beautifully with the striking colour of the mites. This moss was associated with a small, rough patch of concrete half hidden in the sandy soil