Red Velvet Mite

Red Velvet Mite is an arachnid that belongs to the family of Trombidiidae, class of Arachnida, Phylum of Arthropoda are tiny creatures having an attractive, bright red color.

Velvet Mites

Common name: Red Velvet Mites, Rain Bugs, Beer Bahuti, Indian Viagra

Scientific Name: Trombidium grandissimum

Description:

The Velvet Mite has thousands of different species. It has a bright red most attracting velvety coating body found in dry lands and deserts and has been seen widely in the northern parts of India. These mites grow around 0.5 inches up to 0.8 inches long, which is huge compared to other mites. The adult’s Mite have 4 pairs of legs while the larvae have only 3 pairs of legs. The four pairs of legs in an adult Velvet mite is arranged in a rare pattern. Depending on the species, the amount of food they eat per day like 20 beetle eggs, 36 immature spider mites. This rain bugs look for food and feed on them for only a few hours in every year. They are harmless to humans.

Importance:

The oil extracted from the red velvet mite is used as traditional Indian medicine to treat paralysis. Also, due to their alleged ability to increase sexual desire, these are known locally as “Indian Viagra”.