The Velvet (Red) Mite, Trombiculus Sp. (Acarina: Trombiculidae) as a New Record in Asir Heights, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

The present article deals with the seasonal occurrence ofthe velvet mite species; Trombiculus sp. (Family: Trombiculidae)which was recovered at Raida locality in Abha governate, Saudi Arabia,by using pitfall traps. This study is reported as a first record in theSaudi Arabian ecosystem. The highest population was observedduring October and decreased gradually till July, then a slight progressiveincrease in population occurred during September.The population density of the velvet mites was positively correlatedwith rainfall (r = + 0.346) whereas other environmental factors suchas temperature (r = - 0.204) and relative humidity. (r = - 0.078) didnot have any significant effects.