What does a spider mite infestation look like? - briefly
A spider mite outbreak appears as a fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, accompanied by stippled or yellowed foliage and tiny moving specks that look like dust. Heavy infestations cause leaf drop and a silvery, mottled surface as the mites feed.
What does a spider mite infestation look like? - in detail
Spider mites are tiny arachnids, usually 0.2–0.5 mm long, often red, green, yellow, or brown. Their presence becomes evident when several visual cues appear on the host plant.
The most immediate sign is a stippled or speckled pattern on leaf surfaces. Feeding punctures remove chlorophyll, producing tiny pale spots that may coalesce into larger yellow or bronze patches. As damage spreads, the affected area often turns necrotic, with leaf tissue drying and curling upward or downward.
A second indicator is the formation of fine silk webbing. Mites spin webs on the undersides of leaves, along petioles, and around the leaf axils. The web is usually a translucent, delicate mesh that can be seen when light passes through it. Heavy infestations generate a dense, cobweb‑like covering that may also be present on stems and fruit.
Third, the plant may exhibit reduced vigor. Stunted growth, wilting, and premature leaf drop occur as the pest drains plant sap. In severe cases, entire foliage may become desiccated, leaving a skeletal framework.
Additional observations include:
- Presence of moving specks when the leaf is shaken; they appear as tiny, fast‑moving dots.
- Discoloration of new growth, which often remains smaller and lighter than mature foliage.
- Increased susceptibility to secondary pathogens, evidenced by fungal growth on damaged tissue.
Detecting these signs early allows prompt intervention before the population explodes and causes irreversible damage.