The red velvet mites are bright red coloured bugs that live under the soil, until it starts to rain.
My early childhood was spent in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Secunderabad had been the British Cantonment. It was a quiet place with lots of open spaces, those days.
My maternal great-grandfather chose to settle in Secunderabad. I lived in Great-grandfather’s sprawling house along with other members of our joint family.
One side of the house faced today’s Sardar Patel Road. Just across the road was the Parade Maidan. Whenever the weather was pleasant or whenever we were free, my sister, my cousins and I would run across to the maidan. There was hardly any traffic to deter us.
The vast expanse of the maidan beckoned us and we would enjoy the grass, the space and the sky in gay abandon. During some seasons the maidan was simply luring. One was the kite season.
What made us eager to run to the maidan after the first summer showers? Well…….. it was the cool balmy breeze and most of all, the thrill of finding hundreds of red velvety mites in the grass.
They would crawl out of the soil after a shower. They were about one centimeter long and looked like moving cushions. Their bright red velvety coats were soft to touch, just like velvet in texture.
It excited us. We would put two or three of them in a match box ( with holes for them to breathe ) and take them home. We observed them every hour. When they were in motion they would put their legs out ( 4 pairs ). Otherwise their legs were folded inside. So we would say aloud to them, ” Birbabatti, birbabatti, darwaza kholo”. ( Hindi ) meaning ” Put your legs out”
I don’t know why we called them birbabatti. Perhaps the local children called it so. Sometimes we would take the match boxes to school and show it around to friends. Some of them would have similar match boxes.
WHAT ARE THE RED VELVET MITES
Many years later, through books and through Google, I found out that the red velvet mites, belong to the family Trombidiidae. They are cousins of the spider and hibernate in winter They are active in the daytime/sunshine and hide in the soil at night.
Their bright red colour is a warning to other creatures that they are distasteful and poisonous to eat.They do not harm human beings. They are known by different names like – Red Velvet Mites, Summer Rain Bug, Velvet Bride, Queen Mite and so on.
Learning about natural things through books and the internet is fine. However, learning by watching and touching the live creatures is an altogether different experience. It arouses our curiosity and fills us with wonder and fascination. It makes us alive to the artistry of God. Colour, beauty and detail are all there in one tiny creature.
I remember with joy the thrill we experienced when we first discovered them.Year after year, they returned during the monsoon to delight us. It was a constant reminder of God being at work, of being still in the throne. The rains came in time, there was less pollution, hardly any traffic. All was well with the world.
WHERE ARE THE RED VELVET MITES
Today, with increasing air, water and noise pollution, all is not well with the world. My Grandfather’s house and the maidaan are still there but the red velvet mites have disappeared. Perhaps to safer places.
I miss them . Often, when I walk through the countryside and see a red speck in the grass I bend down to check if it is the red mite.
Once upon a time, they had the power to change our Secunderabad maidaan into a magical place for children. The children would be animated and bustling with activity at the sight of the red mites!
Modern children are at the center of man made things – T.V.,computer, mobile and other products of technology. Yet they are never satisfied and happy.
They do not know what joy there is in being surrounded by God’s creations The trees, the clouds, the rivers and all God made things give a sense of security, peace and stability. With their presence, they silently declare the presence of God.
Frequent escapades to natural surroundings can dispel the dullness and boredom in children’s lives. It can nourish their souls!
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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