Spider mites

Typically found on the undersides of leaves in warm, dry environments, common on indoor houseplants like the Maranta pictured.

They feed on plant sap by piercing individual plant cells with their mouthparts, which causes characteristic stippling or yellowing of foliage.

They are known for spinning fine silk webs on host plants for protection and movement. They reproduce rapidly in hot, dry conditions, with several generations possible in a single season.

They are significant agricultural and horticultural pests that can cause severe damage or death to plants; they do not pose a direct health risk to humans but can be devastating to ecosystems and indoor gardens.