Spider Mite (likely)

Natural Habitat

Widely distributed, found on the undersides of leaves of various plants, both indoors and outdoors. Thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on plant sap and chlorophyll by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts, causing stippling, discoloration, and eventual defoliation.

Behavior Patterns

They reproduce rapidly, especially in warm conditions, with females laying many eggs. They often spin fine silk webbing on the host plants, which provides some protection and helps them move. They can be dispersed by wind or movement of infested plants. Infestations can grow quickly from a few individuals to large colonies.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to agricultural crops, ornamental plants, and houseplants, leading to reduced yields or plant death. They can be a major pest in gardens and greenhouses. There are no known direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, other than serving as a food source for some predatory mites and insects, which helps in natural pest control.

Identified on: 10/18/2025