Spider Mites
Scientific Name: Tetranychus urticae (Twospotted Spider Mite) or similar species
Order & Family: Acari (mites and ticks); Tetranychidae (spider mites)
Size: Typically very small, less than 1 mm (0.04 inches) in length. They are barely visible to the naked eye, often appearing as tiny specks.
Natural Habitat
Found on a wide range of plants, including ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetables, and field crops. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and are often found on the undersides of leaves.
Diet & Feeding
Plant sap. They are phytophagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents.
Behavior Patterns
Typically found on plants, often under leaves. They move relatively slowly unless disturbed, when they might jump. The damage to plants is characterized by stippling (tiny white or yellow spots) and sometimes webbing on the undersides of leaves. They reproduce rapidly in warm, dry conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Considered significant agricultural and horticultural pests. Their feeding can cause severe damage to plants, leading to reduced yield, poor growth, and even plant death if infestations are severe. They do not pose direct risks to humans or animals. Benefits: No direct benefits to humans, but they are part of the food chain for predatory mites and other beneficial insects.
Identified on: 8/11/2025