Two-spotted spider mite

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves in gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural fields globally.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they pierce plant cells to suck out the contents, resulting in the characteristic stippling or yellow spotting seen on the leaf.

Behavior Patterns

They produce fine silk webbing to protect the colony and help with dispersal. They reproduce rapidly in hot, dry conditions and can complete a life cycle in as little as 5 to 20 days.

Risks & Benefits

Major agricultural pest that can severely damage or kill plants by reducing photosynthesis. They pose no direct risk to humans but can devastate vegetable crops like the tomato plant shown.

Identified on: 6/24/2026