This is neither a clover mite, nor a baby. The common name "clover mite" should be restricted to Bryobia (e.g. 605370 and 282777), which do in fact eat plants (although I think "nuisance" is a bit of an exaggeration). Balaustium are opportunistic predators of small/immobile insects, but can persist entirely on pollen as well. This genus represents one of the very few groups of Parasitengona where the larvae have lost their parasitic habits and instead feed like adults.

Though the two mites look absolutely nothing alike when up close, from far away one may confuse them because both mites can be commonly seen running around on concrete... but there their resemblance ends.

"Baby" mites come in two forms: larva and nymph. This is clearly not a larva as mite larvae have six legs. Balaustium nymphs look slightly different than adults, but recognizing this takes practice. Regardless, the individual in the photo is an adult.

Finally, Balaustium are not nuisance creatures. Generally, they go completely unnoticed except to the careful observer. There are reports of Balaustium biting humans (e.g. Newel 1963), but I think too much has been made of this. It is actually quite difficult to get them to bite at all... and like with all arthropod bites, allergic response varies widely.

I live in southeastern Az. These tiny things (whatever they are) have been biting me. They have even gotten to my scalp. Pls, exactly what could they be? Never had them before in this area. Thanks

The first step is collecting specimens. Feel free to submit photos of the samples to BG or to my email. Alternatively, you can send me samples. Mailing info is available on my webpage.

That said, I am skeptical that this group of mites is to blame for your condition... particularly with your scalp. My initial suspicion is that other organisms/factors are at play. Feel free to send samples and we can try to narrow down an answer. Good luck!

I think that's it, and they seem to be harmless. Great close up shots of them here if interested.