Spider Mite (likely Two-spotted Spider Mite)

Typically found on the undersides of leaves of a wide variety of plants, including crops, ornamentals, and houseplants. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Plant parasites; they feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out the contents, causing stippling, yellowing, and leaf drop.

They live in colonies, often producing fine protective silk webbing (hence the name 'spider' mite). They reproduce rapidly in warm weather, moving from egg to adult in as little as 5 days.

Risks: Major agricultural and garden pests that can severely damage or kill plants by destroying leaf tissue. Benefits: They serve as a food source for predatory mites and small insects like ladybugs.