Difference between RLEM and Blue Oat Mite

Although RLEM is one of the most common pasture pests in southern Australia, there are also other mite species present. RLEM have different lifecycles to these other pasture pests and therefore many management options such as Timerite® do not work on the other pasture pests. Therefore it is really important to make sure you correctly identify the mites in your paddock.

Blue Oat Mite

Blue Oat Mite (BOM) is another very common pasture mite in southern Australia. They are often mistaken for RLEM as they look quite similar to the naked eye. Both RLEM and BOM adult mites are about 1mm long and have red legs. The difference you should be looking for in the field is that RLEM have a completely black velvety body, whereas BOM have a blue-black body and a red mark on their back.

RLEM and BOM also have slightly different distributions. BOM are present further north in NSW and WA than RLEM.

Bryobia Mite

Adult Bryobia mite are 0.75mm long, the body is oval shaped, flattened dorsally and rusty brown, pale orange or olive in colour, the eight legs are pale red/orange. The front pair of legs are very long and are held out in front of the body.

Balaustium mite

The balaustium mite has a greyish, brown to red body and bright red legs, the body is covered with short bristly looking hairs. The adult mite grows to almost twice the size of RLEM.