This little spittlebug was covered with these parasitic mites which will soon kill the poor creature. The spittlebug is only about 5 mm in length, so you can imagine how tiny the mites are. The bug was having difficulty moving, and little wonder. Many insects are afflicted with mites, and it is not unusual to see some so covered with them that they look at first glance, like an unusual red insect. Closer inspection reveals them solidly covered with these mites.