What do the eggs and larvae of spider mites look like? - briefly
Spider mite eggs are tiny, oval, and typically white or pale yellow, deposited in clusters on the undersides of leaves. The newly hatched larvae appear as six‑legged, translucent or reddish bodies that soon develop into eight‑legged nymphs.
What do the eggs and larvae of spider mites look like? - in detail
Spider mite eggs are minute, typically oval or slightly elongated, measuring 0.1–0.2 mm in length. The chorion is translucent, allowing the developing embryo to be faintly visible as a darker spot near the center. Eggs are usually laid singly on the lower surface of leaves, often within a protective webbing. Their color ranges from pale yellow to light orange, becoming darker as embryogenesis progresses. A smooth, glossy surface distinguishes them from the rough texture of adult mite cuticle.
The first instar, commonly called the larva, emerges from the egg after 2–4 days at optimal temperatures (25 °C). Larvae are six-legged, contrasting with the eight-legged adult stage. Their body length spans 0.15–0.25 mm, slightly larger than the egg. The cuticle is soft and semi-translucent, revealing internal organs as a faint grayish hue. Distinctive features include:
- Body shape: elongated, slightly flattened dorsoventrally.
- Coloration: pale yellow to light green; may acquire a faint reddish tint after feeding.
- Legs: three pairs, each ending in a tiny claw; legs are proportionally longer than those of later stages.
- Mouthparts: chelicerae adapted for piercing plant cells, visible as tiny protrusions near the anterior.
- Setae: sparse, fine sensory hairs on the dorsal surface.
After the larval stage, two nymphal instars follow, each adding a pair of legs and increasing body thickness. Throughout development, coloration deepens, and the cuticle becomes more sclerotized, resulting in the hardened, reddish-brown appearance of mature spider mites.