Hydrachnidiae

Water mites may be brilliant red or orange in colour, which is unusual among freshwater invertebrates, but they also display more subtle blues, greens and yellows. They are also unusual among mites in some lineages having movable, internalized eye lenses sunk deep within the prosoma rather than being set on the surface of the cuticle.  The larvae are parasitic on aquatic bugs. 

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Found in most freshwater habitats including streams and marshes, but they may also be found in more obscure areas such as treeholes. Some species have also adapted to marine environments.

All year round.

Adukts are predatory, the larvae are parasitic on aquatic insects. 

Water mites seem to be widespread, but under recorded in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland unknown.

See: http://coo.fieldofscience.com/2014/12/hunter-balls-hydracha-water-mites.html