Bug Identifier
Red palm mite
Community identification

Red palm mite

Raoiella indica

Order & Family
Order Trombidiformes, Family Tenuipalpidae
Size
Extremely tiny, measuring less than 0.3 millimeters in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions, primarily on the undersides of palm fronds and other monocots.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous, piercing plant cells to feed on sap using needle-like mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Gregarously congregates in dense colonies on leaf undersides, producing fine red silk webbing.

Risks & Benefits

Agricultural pest causing significant leaf chlorosis and necrosis in coconut palms and ornamental plants.