How does a bud mite on currants look? - briefly
The bud mite is a minute, translucent oval arachnid about 0.2–0.3 mm long, with elongated forelegs and often visible as a pale dust coating on currant buds. Infested buds may exhibit distorted growth and a fine webbing that reveals the mite’s presence.
How does a bud mite on currants look? - in detail
Bud mites that infest currant buds are microscopic arachnids, typically measuring 0.15–0.30 mm in length. Their bodies are oval to elongated, covered by a soft, translucent cuticle that often appears pale yellow to light green under magnification. The dorsal surface may display faint reddish or brownish markings, especially in mature individuals.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Two pairs of legs, each short and equipped with fine setae that aid in grasping bud tissue.
- A distinct, rounded gnathosoma (mouthpart) situated anteriorly, visible as a small protrusion.
- Leg segments are clearly demarcated, with the second pair slightly longer than the first, providing a subtle “humped” silhouette when viewed laterally.
- Abdomen bears a series of minute, hair‑like structures (setae) arranged in parallel rows, giving a slightly fuzzy appearance.
Developmental stages differ in coloration and body proportion:
- Egg – oval, white, embedded within the bud epidermis.
- Larva – smaller than the adult, translucent, with only the first pair of legs developed.
- Protonymph – intermediate size, pale yellow, legs more pronounced.
- Deutonymph – similar to adult in shape, but less pigmented.
- Adult – fully pigmented, body length near the upper size range, legs fully formed.
In situ, the mites are usually found on the inner surfaces of developing buds, clustered near the meristematic tissue. Under a stereomicroscope, they appear as tiny, slightly mobile specks that may be mistaken for fungal spores if not examined closely. Their movement is slow, characterized by short, deliberate steps rather than rapid scurrying.