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Active Seasons
Appearance and Size Facts
- Oval shaped and usually a translucent green to greenish-yellow coloration
- Brown and orange-red colorations can sometimes occur
- Name is from the two dark spots on the back of the body
- Size: Roughly 1/50 inch in length
- They prefer hot, dry weather, but the mites can occur year-round
- Produce fine strands of silk or webbing on the host plant
Behavior and Habitat of Two Spotted Spider Mites
Female two spotted spider mites lay eggs which are attached to fine silk webbing on the host plant and will hatch roughly three days later. The life cycle of the mite is composed of the egg, the larva, two nymphal stages and the adult. Two spotted spider mites have many overlapping generations per year due to the female being capable of laying several hundred eggs during her short, two to four week lifespan.
Two spotted spider mites prefer hot, dry weather, but the mites can occur anytime during the year. Females overwinter in leaf litter or under loose bark of trees and shrubs, hibernating until temperatures reach an acceptable level to resume activities.
Signs of Infestation of Two Spotted Spider Mites
Two spotted spider mites produce fine strands of silk or webbing on the host plant. Mite feeding causes yellowing or browning on the leaves. Necrotic, or dead, areas will occur when mite feeding has progressed. Defoliation of the plant can occur if the mites are not controlled.
Tips for Prevention of Two Spotted Spider Mites
Management of most mite species requires a professional pest management company, such as Hulett Environmental Services.
Two Spotted Spider Mite Gallery
