What do spider mite eggs look like? - briefly
Spider mite eggs are microscopic, oval‑shaped bodies ranging from translucent to creamy‑white, often appearing in clusters of 10–30 on the undersides of leaves. They are usually embedded in a fine silken web that hides them from view.
What do spider mite eggs look like? - in detail
Spider mite ova are microscopic, typically measuring 0.1–0.2 mm in length. They are oval to slightly elongated, lacking distinct sculpturing; the surface appears smooth under low magnification and may show a faint translucency that reveals internal contents.
Coloration ranges from pale yellow to light orange, sometimes taking on a creamy hue as the embryo develops. Newly laid eggs are almost colorless, becoming more pigmented with age. The chorion (outer shell) is thin but resilient, allowing the egg to adhere firmly to plant tissue.
Eggs are deposited in clusters called "oviposition sites." These clusters often consist of 20–50 eggs arranged in a flat sheet or a loosely packed mass on the underside of leaves. The mass may be covered by a silken webbing produced by the female, which appears as a fine, sheet‑like network that protects the eggs from desiccation and predators.
Species differences affect size and arrangement:
- Tetranychus urticae – eggs are slightly larger (≈0.16 mm), laid in a dense, nearly circular patch.
- Tetranychus cinnabarinus – eggs are smaller (≈0.12 mm), often arranged in linear rows.
- Panonychus citri – eggs are elongated, forming elongated ribbons along leaf veins.
Diagnostic observations for field identification:
- Locate the leaf’s underside; eggs are rarely visible on the upper surface.
- Use a hand lens (10×–30×) or microscope to detect the minute, oval structures.
- Observe the surrounding webbing; a silken sheet indicates recent oviposition.
- Note the cluster shape and density, which can help differentiate species.
Recognizing these visual traits enables accurate monitoring and timely control measures.