In case you didn’t know, The National Parks Service (@nationalparksservice) is an excellent follow on Instagram. One of their most recent posts showcases the Red Velvet Mite, an arachnid that emerges to the surface after rainfall.
The Red Velvet Mite, officially known as Trombidiidae, gets its moniker from it’s bright red velvety coat. It’s beautiful if you ask me.
The Red Velvet Mite can grow up to .5 inches and use their fangs to prey on other insects that emerge after rain.
The photos in the Instagram post below were captured at Fort Davis National Historic Site in west Texas.
What would you do if you spotted one of these creatures in the wild?
““I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable.” – George Costanza
Well, say hello to the Trombidiidae, (“trom-buh-dee-uh-dee”) aka, Red Velvet (not just for cakes) Mite! As monsoon rains return to the desert areas of west Texas, these little critters, also know as a rain bug (how cute), can be spotted after a good rain. Part of the arachnid class, they can grow to a whopping 0.5 in. The mites emerge from burrows after the rain to feast. With their fang-like mouthparts (not as cute), they prey on insects like the desert termite that also emerge after a heavy monsoon rain. Bad timing? We’re not sure if they’re also drawn to the plush velvety rain bug too. You wear it well, Trombidiidae!”