Big, bad, and red: Giant velvet mite defenses and life strategies (Trombidiformes: Trombidiidae: Dinothrombium)

Giant velvet mites, the largest living are a familiar sight when they present above ground, usually after first summer rains, in warm arid areas. Despite their often-conspicuous presence enormous numbers, little is known about basic biology, life history strategies, or predators. The emergence of Dinothrombium magnificum (LeConte, 1852) southern Arizona, USA occurs rain that exceeds 1 cm. Of 17 species vertebrate predators offered only those quickly engulf prey intact (horned lizards and toads) successfully preyed upon mites. Even ate one few before rejecting subsequent 12 insect 11 other arthropod larvae antlions were possibly meaningful Nevertheless, antlion rarely succeeded puncturing rubbery integument mite killing it. When sampled by an author, produced exceedingly bitter, astringent, spicy taste endured mouth for hour. Overall, mites appear to have no predators, likely because suite highly effective defensives: red aposematic coloration, odor, tough puncture-resistant integument, unpleasant tasting chemicals on distasteful internal compounds.