Is this a velvet mite?

[Dave66]

Hi Guys

We finally had a sunny day today and the temperature climbed to a sweltering 11 degrees.
I came across this in my garden today. Is it a velvet mite and if it is, could you give me a bit of info on them, I've never seen one before.




Thanks in advance

Dave.

[No.9 Spider]

Not really my field but yes it is, probably a Trombidiidae species.




No.9 Spider

[Jason Green]

Evening Dave,

This looks like a 'big' one (2, 3mm), am I right? If so, I'd think they're generally known as Giant Velvet Mites. They are of course in the same general taxonomic group as spider mites, but are slightly more significant in physical presence. I found one recently at about 2.5mm that had white spots, too

Take care,

Jason

[Dave66]

Thanks for the info No.9 and Jason. Yes it was about 2 or 3mm. Bonny looking thing but my photo's don't do it justice.

cheers

Dave.