How to understand it's a spider mite? - briefly
Spider mites manifest as tiny, moving specks on plant surfaces, frequently accompanied by fine silk webbing and stippled or yellowed foliage. Examination of the leaf underside reveals minute, oval, reddish‑brown mites and their characteristic web strands, confirming their presence.
How to understand it's a spider mite? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that damage plants by feeding on cell contents. Identification relies on visual cues and microscopic examination.
Typical signs on foliage include:
- Fine, web‑like strands on the undersurface of leaves, often concentrated near leaf veins.
- Discolored patches ranging from pale yellow to bronze, expanding outward as feeding continues.
- Stippled or stippled appearance caused by tiny puncture marks where the mite extracts sap.
- Presence of numerous tiny moving specks, each about 0.2–0.5 mm in length, often mistaken for dust.
Microscopic characteristics that confirm the pest are:
- Oval body shape with a soft, translucent exoskeleton.
- Two pairs of legs visible on the dorsal surface; adult females possess a fourth pair concealed beneath the abdomen.
- Setae (hair‑like structures) arranged in a distinctive pattern along the margins of the body.
- Eggs laid in clusters beneath the protective web, appearing as spherical, white or cream‑colored masses.
Effective diagnosis combines field observation with a hand lens or microscope. Inspect the lower leaf surface first, as spider mites preferentially inhabit this area. Gently blow or brush away webbing to reveal hidden individuals. If uncertainty remains, collect a leaf sample and examine it at 40–100× magnification; the presence of the described morphological features verifies infestation.
Accurate identification enables timely control measures and prevents further plant stress. «Early detection prevents extensive damage and reduces the need for aggressive interventions.»