Trombidiidae
Trombidiidae, also known as red velvet mites, true velvet mites,[2] or rain bugs, are small arachnids (eight-legged arthropods) found in plant litter and are known for their bright red color.
While adults are typically 4 mm (0.16 in) in length, some, such as the genus Dinothrombium, may reach up to 12 mm (0.47 in).[2]
Their life pattern is in stages similar to other members of the Prostigmata: egg, pre-larva, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, tritonymph and adult (male or female). They usually have only one breeding cycle per year.[3]
They are active predators as grown adults. As early instars they are often parasites of insects[4] and other arachnids.
One well known species from Europe, Asia, and North Africa is Trombidium holosericeum.[5] The systematics of this group has been in flux and many former subfamilies of this are now raised to families within the Trombidioidea.[3][6]
The oil from the red velvet mite Trombidium grandissimum is used in traditional Indian medicine to treat paralysis.[8][9]
