How to breed a spider mite at home? - briefly
Collect adult spider mites from an infested plant, place them on a fresh leaf inside a ventilated container with 70‑80 % humidity and a steady temperature of 20‑25 °C, and allow them to feed and reproduce on the leaf. Replace the leaf periodically to maintain food quality and harvest the mites once the population reaches the desired size.
How to breed a spider mite at home? - in detail
To maintain a viable colony of spider mites, follow these precise steps.
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Select a host plant – Choose a fast‑growing species such as bean, tomato, or cucumber. The plant must be free of pesticides and in good health, as mites require fresh foliage for feeding and reproduction.
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Prepare the containment unit – Use a clear plastic container (e.g., a 2‑liter food‑grade jar) with a ventilated lid pierced with fine mesh (≈0.5 mm). Place a layer of moist paper towel at the bottom to maintain humidity without causing waterlogging.
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Introduce the initial population – Acquire a small number of adult spider mites (10–20 individuals) from a reputable laboratory source or a trusted online supplier. Gently transfer them onto the leaf surface using a fine brush or a soft paintbrush.
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Control environmental parameters –
- Temperature: 22–26 °C.
- Relative humidity: 60–70 %.
- Photoperiod: 14 hours light, 10 hours dark, using fluorescent or LED lighting that mimics natural daylight.
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Provide nutrition – The host leaf must remain green and turgid. Replace the plant or leaf segment every 5–7 days to prevent senescence, which reduces mite fecundity.
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Monitor population growth – Count mites on a 1 cm² section of leaf every 2 days. Expect a doubling of the population roughly every 5 days under optimal conditions.
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Prevent contamination – Keep the container away from other arthropods, especially predatory insects. Clean the work area with 70 % ethanol before handling the colony.
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Harvest for experiments or distribution – When the colony reaches the desired density (e.g., >200 individuals), gently brush mites onto a fresh leaf or into a vial for transfer.
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Maintain long‑term stability – Periodically introduce new host leaves, adjust humidity to avoid mold, and replace the container’s mesh if it becomes clogged.
By adhering to these guidelines, a stable, reproducible spider mite culture can be sustained at home for research, educational, or controlled‑environment purposes.