Velvet Mite out in the Arizona hills

This little Velvet Mite was out and about rather late in the season as they normally are active from late Spring through to the Fall when recent rains have moistened the landscape.

Not much larger than a large pin head their bright coloration probably lets predators that they are unpalatable.

They are harmless to humans but are important predators of miniscule worms and insect eggs and thus serve to help reduce pest populations.

It was nice to come across this bright little critter on my recent hike down a dry wash that had just a few damp spots to provide a habitat for these mites.