How long does a spider mite live? - briefly
Adult spider mites usually survive for about 7–14 days, with warmer conditions shortening the lifespan and cooler, humid environments extending it. Egg to adult development adds another 5–7 days, so a full generation can complete in roughly two weeks.
How long does a spider mite live? - in detail
Spider mites typically survive between 2 and 4 weeks under optimal conditions, but their life span can vary markedly with temperature, humidity, host plant quality, and predation pressure.
At temperatures around 25 °C (77 °F) and relative humidity of 60–70 %, development from egg to adult completes in 4–5 days, and adults may live another 10–14 days while reproducing. Cooler climates (15–20 °C) slow metabolism; the egg‑to‑adult period extends to 7–10 days and adult longevity can reach 3–4 weeks. High temperatures above 30 °C accelerate development but often reduce adult survival to less than a week.
Key factors influencing longevity:
- Temperature: Directly controls metabolic rate; extreme heat or cold shortens life.
- Humidity: Low humidity desiccates mites, decreasing survival; moderate moisture supports longer lives.
- Food availability: Abundant, healthy foliage sustains reproduction and extends adult life; stressed or nutrient‑deficient plants cause early mortality.
- Natural enemies: Predatory insects (e.g., Phytoseiulus spp.) and fungal pathogens can dramatically reduce lifespan.
- Chemical exposure: Insecticides, especially acaricides, may kill rapidly or, at sublethal doses, shorten life expectancy.
Females lay 30–100 eggs over their lifespan, with peak oviposition occurring during the middle of their adult phase. Males generally live shorter, often dying within a few days after mating.
In greenhouse or indoor settings where temperature and humidity are tightly regulated, populations can persist for several months if control measures are absent, due to overlapping generations and continuous breeding cycles. In outdoor environments, seasonal changes usually limit survival to the warm months, with overwintering occurring in protected plant parts or soil debris, where eggs or dormant stages may endure for several weeks until favorable conditions return.