What does a spider mite look like on a chrysanthemum? - briefly
Spider mites appear as minute, often translucent or pale green dots on the foliage, leaving stippled, yellow‑to‑bronze discoloration and fine webbing along leaf edges and stems. Their presence is usually indicated by tiny, web‑covered patches that may cause leaf curling and a dusty appearance.
What does a spider mite look like on a chrysanthemum? - in detail
Spider mites on chrysanthemums are extremely small arachnids, usually measuring 0.2–0.5 mm in length. Their bodies are oval, flat, and covered with fine hairs that give a fuzzy appearance. The dorsal surface often shows a pale green, yellow, or reddish hue, while the ventral side may appear translucent. Legs are long relative to body size, each ending in tiny claws that enable rapid movement across leaf surfaces.
Key visual indicators include:
- Webbing: Fine, silken threads form a web-like coating on the undersides of leaves, stems, and flower buds. Webs are most noticeable when mites are present in large numbers.
- Leaf discoloration: Infested foliage exhibits stippling—tiny, whitish or bronze speckles caused by mite feeding. As damage progresses, leaves may develop yellowing, bronzing, or a mottled pattern.
- Silvery sheen: The accumulation of excrement and shed skins creates a dusty, silvery film on affected areas.
- Distorted growth: New shoots and flower buds can become stunted, curled, or exhibit irregular shapes due to tissue damage.
When inspecting a chrysanthemum, turn the leaf over and look for clusters of mites along the veins. Under magnification, the mites appear as small, eight‑legged organisms with two distinct body segments: the gnathosoma (mouthparts) at the front and the idiosoma (main body) behind. Their eyes are simple ocelli, often barely visible.
Recognizing these characteristics enables early detection and effective control measures before the infestation spreads throughout the plant.