A short "picture post"...
which will leave you scratching!
This is a Red Velvet Mite from the genus Eutrombicula...
probably Eutrombidium rostratus Acarien velouté....
and is regarded by the US Military as a creature of concern to deployed military forces#....
what about us gardeners!!
 |
| I couldn't capture the velvetyness as well as I'd've liked |
Their offspring are Chiggers...
those NASTY, BITEY critters that get us around harvest time...
hence the other name for the chigger...
harvest mite.
"Chiggers in the genus Eutrombicula do not transmit any known pathogens to people, but they can cause irritating bites, dermatitis and severe itching when they feed on the unsuspecting host. They are widely distributed in the Western Hemisphere, and Europe."The adult pictured above had the cheek to be crawling up the wall indoors...
it was rapidly put outside!
I probably shoulda squished it....
but to me it is also a "money spider"....
and I'd just bought a Euromillions ticket!
# 2006, U.S. Armed Forces Pest Management Board -- Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates Affecting Military Operations: Identification, Biology, Symptoms, Treatment
