What does a spider mite look like? - briefly
Spider mites are minute arachnids, 0.2–0.5 mm long, with oval, reddish‑brown or yellowish bodies and four pairs of legs, often covered in fine, web‑like hairs. They typically cause stippled or mottled patches on leaves, and their delicate silk threads may be visible coating plant surfaces.
What does a spider mite look like? - in detail
Spider mites are minute arachnids, typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm in length. Their bodies are oval‑shaped and divided into two main sections: the gnathosoma (mouthparts) and the idiosoma (main body). The idiosoma bears a soft, semi‑transparent cuticle that may appear pale green, yellow, red, or brown, depending on species and plant host.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Four pairs of legs, each ending in fine, hair‑like setae; the legs are often longer than the body width, giving a spider‑like silhouette.
- Two pairs of elongated, tapering pedipalps positioned near the mouthparts.
- A dorsal shield (prosoma) that may be lightly sclerotized, sometimes visible as a faintly darker band across the back.
- Numerous tiny setae covering the dorsal surface, creating a slightly fuzzy appearance.
- In many species, a web of fine silk is produced, forming a silvery or dusty coating on leaf surfaces.
Life stages present distinct features. Eggs are oval, smooth, and translucent, often laid on the underside of leaves. Larvae possess only three pairs of legs and lack fully developed setae, appearing smoother than adults. Nymphs acquire the fourth pair of legs and begin developing the characteristic setae pattern, while mature adults exhibit the full complement of legs, setae, and the dorsal shield.
Color variation correlates with feeding activity; heavy feeding may cause the mite’s body to darken due to plant pigments ingested. Some species, such as the two‑spotted spider mite, display distinct red spots on the dorsal surface, whereas others remain uniformly green or yellow.
Overall, spider mites present a diminutive, oval body with four long, setae‑covered legs, a faint dorsal shield, and a propensity for producing fine webbing on plant foliage.