AboutJack DeAngelis Expertise I can answer questions in any area of entomology (study of insects, spiders, mites, ticks, and other terrestrial arthropods). Contact me about home and garden insects, insects that bite and sting, and insects that damage homes such as carpenter ants and termites.
Experience 20 years as university extension entomologist, now retired; currently publish a website about home and garden insects.
Publications see www.livingwithbugs.com/resume.html
Question Lately I have been finding these microscopic bugs floating around my GF's pillow the past couple days. They are very very tiny, small then a pen head and are black and oval. I caught one and put it under a microscope and it appears to have 6 same size legs and two of what appear to be antenna, but could be very very thin legs.
They don't seem to bite. I have allowed them to roam on my hand and arm, and they do not seem to bite.
I found the recently on the bookshelf around a crevice in the wood (picture can be provided). Perhaps this can put some insight into what they are.
When I placed my thumb down in comparison to the bug for a picture, he would immediately turn toward my finger. Not sure what that means, but I hope you can shine some light. (Picture can be provided)
We have washed the sheets and vacuumed the bed, but they still come back. We only see 1 or 2 on the sheets, but the rest are on the pillow.
I'm hoping you can shine some light into what these might be.
Answer Genesis,
These sound like clover mites. Clover mites, closely related to spider mites, are tiny dark-colored mites with a long pair of front legs that look like antennae. They feed on plants and often invade homes in large numbers. They are harmless. Here's a page from Ohio State University http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2095.html that may be useful. You could also google "clover mite" for pictures.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
My website about home and garden pests: http://www.livingwithbugs.com
