Balaustium murorum,or the red velvet mite,lives in harsh conditions among rocks and concrete,enduring intense sunlight and ultraviolet radiation.These non-parasitic mites feed on pollen and hatch from eggs laid during the previous summer.Their bright red coloration,which can spark both fascination and fear due to the association of red with danger,has received little scientific attention.However,a recent study 1 conducted by researchers from Hosei University and Kyoto University in Japan has shed light on the protective function of the mites’striking pigment.”Every year,the number of online searches related to the red velvet mite shoots up in early spring.Many people consult the internet to know if this mite is harmful and whether its bright red colour signifies that it has sucked blood.But the red velvet mite never acts as a parasite on other organisms,”said Professor Satoshi Shimano from Hosei University.”While we sigh in relief,knowing that these mites are mostly harmless,one does tend to wonder whether the distinct red colour offers a specific survival advantage considering the harsh environments that red velvet mites live in.”
展开▼
