ID : Velvet Mite

[Andrew C]

Afternoon,

I found two of these in the garden this afternoon and I have them down as Velvet Mite (Eutrombidium rostratus). Would that be a good identification as I can't seem to find online keys for red mite species?

Regards,
Andrew.

[aeshna5]

It's certainly a Velvet Mite, but couldn't give a more precise ID.

[Andrew C]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It's certainly a Velvet Mite, but couldn't give a more precise ID.

Evening,

So there is more than one species of 'Velvet Mite' as suspected? Do you know of any keys that will enable an identification as I still have the specimen?

Regards,
Andrew.

[JRsbugs]

There is a common Velvet Mite called Trombidium holosericeum, google that and see what you find. I can't say yours is that for sure but it is a good possibility.

Trombidium holosericeum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Jason Green]

Evening Andrew,

Originally Posted by Andrew C

So there is more than one species of 'Velvet Mite' as suspected? Do you know of any keys that will enable an identification as I still have the specimen?

This is a very tough group indeed in my opinion. I'd contact the Royal Entomological Society by phone and try and find out if there's a UK key, or European counter-part in print at the moment. Check with 'BookFinder.com' to see if anyone have one.

Be prepared to need a compound microscope with these. It's a difficult group as said, and badly needs work in the UK identification and recording-wise. You can probably expect to find new species for the UK, and depending on what extent of work has been carried-out on these world-wide, new species to science!

Take care,

Jason

[Andrew C]

Thanks, this is not a simple family as I had originally thought but I have emailed the RSE to ask for further information on any keys available.

Regards,
Andrew.