What does a spider mite feed on? - briefly
Spider mites pierce leaf surfaces and ingest the cellular fluids of a wide range of ornamental and agricultural plants. Their diet consists primarily of chlorophyll‑rich sap, which leads to stippling, yellowing, and overall plant stress.
What does a spider mite feed on? - in detail
Spider mites obtain nutrition by piercing plant tissue with their stylet-like mouthparts and extracting cellular fluids. The primary source of sustenance is the cytoplasm of epidermal and mesophyll cells, which provides sugars, amino acids, and other metabolites. This feeding action removes chlorophyll and disrupts photosynthesis, leading to a characteristic stippled or mottled appearance on leaves.
The insects target a broad spectrum of plant species, including:
- Solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant
- Cucurbitaceae members like cucumber, squash, and melon
- Brassicaceae vegetables, e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
- Ornamental plants such as hibiscus, petunias, and roses
- Fruit trees including apple, peach, and citrus varieties
In greenhouse and indoor environments, spider mites often concentrate on the undersides of leaves, where humidity is lower and the protective webbing they produce offers shelter. Their diet may shift among plant parts; while foliage is the main target, they can also feed on young shoots, fruit skins, and, in severe infestations, the reproductive structures of the host.
Feeding intensity varies with temperature, humidity, and plant vigor. Optimal conditions (warm, dry air) accelerate reproduction, increasing the collective consumption of plant sap and accelerating damage. The resultant loss of chlorophyll reduces the plant’s capacity for carbon fixation, ultimately diminishing growth, yield, and aesthetic quality.