Spider Mite (likely Tetranychus urticae)
Scientific Name: Tetranychus urticae (Two-spotted spider mite is a common species, but confirming exact species from image is difficult)
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Tetranychidae
Size: Typically very small, usually 0.2 to 0.5 mm (0.008 to 0.02 inches) in length, making them barely visible to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
Spider mites are commonly found in warm, dry conditions, both indoors (on houseplants, in greenhouses) and outdoors (on a wide variety of trees, shrubs, fruits, and vegetables). They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves.
Diet & Feeding
Spider mites are plant feeders, piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents. This leads to characteristic stippling (tiny dots) on leaves, and in severe infestations, leaves may turn yellow or bronze and drop off.
Behavior Patterns
Spider mites are known for spinning fine silk webs, especially when populations are high. They are often found on the undersides of leaves and can rapidly reproduce, leading to significant infestations. They move slowly.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Primarily a significant pest in agriculture and horticulture, causing damage to crops and ornamental plants. They can be very destructive, especially in indoor environments where natural predators are absent. Benefits: No known direct benefits to humans, and generally considered detrimental in most contexts due to their pest status.
Identified on: 8/11/2025