Spider Mite
Scientific Name: Tetranychus urticae (Two-spotted spider mite, a very common species), but many other species exist within the Tetranychidae family.
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Tetranychidae
Size: Typically very small, ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 mm (less than 1/32 to 1/32 inch) in length. They are barely visible to the naked eye, often appearing as tiny moving dots.
Natural Habitat
Spider mites are commonly found on plants, both indoors (houseplants, greenhouses) and outdoors (gardens, agricultural fields, natural environments). They prefer warm, dry, and often dusty conditions, and are less prevalent in humid environments. They can infest a diverse array of host plants.
Diet & Feeding
Spider mites are plant sap feeders. They pierce plant cells with their mouthparts and suck out the chlorophyll, leading to characteristic stippling, discoloration, and eventual defoliation of the host plant. They feed on a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and field crops.
Behavior Patterns
Spider mites tend to live in colonies on the undersides of leaves, where they spin fine silken webs. They reproduce rapidly, especially in warm, dry conditions, and can quickly spread from plant to plant. They move by crawling and can be dispersed by wind or contact with infested plants. Their lifecycle can be as short as 7-10 days, allowing for multiple generations per growing season.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Spider mites are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. Their feeding can cause severe damage to plants, reducing yields and even killing host plants if infestations are heavy and left unchecked. They rarely pose a direct risk to humans or animals, as they do not bite or transmit diseases to them. Benefits: In certain ecological contexts, spider mites can serve as a food source for predatory mites and other beneficial insects, contributing to natural pest control.
Identified on: 8/28/2025