Where do spider mites lay their eggs? - briefly
Spider mites deposit their eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves, usually within the protective silk webbing and close to leaf veins. A single female can lay 50‑100 eggs during her adult life.
Where do spider mites lay their eggs? - in detail
Spider mites deposit their eggs primarily on the aerial parts of host plants. The preferred sites are the undersides of leaves, where a thin layer of silk protects the ova from desiccation and predators. Eggs are often found embedded within the spider mite webbing that covers the leaf surface.
Typical deposition locations include:
- Leaf undersides – most common, especially in the protected folds and near veins.
- Upper leaf surfaces – less frequent, usually when crowding forces mites upward.
- Stems and petioles – occasional sites when foliage is heavily infested.
- Fruit and flower buds – selected by some species during reproductive phases.
Eggs are attached to the plant tissue by a small adhesive secreted from the female’s ovipositor. The silk matrix surrounding the clutch reduces exposure to environmental stress and facilitates the emergence of mobile larvae (protonymphs) after a period of 2–7 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Egg placement is influenced by plant morphology; dense trichomes or waxy cuticles may deter oviposition, causing females to seek smoother areas. Seasonal changes also affect site selection: during high temperatures, females favor more shaded, humid microhabitats to prevent egg desiccation.
Understanding these specific locations aids in early detection and targeted control measures, as egg clusters are visible as tiny, pale ovals within the webbing. Monitoring should focus on the leaf abaxial surface and any concealed web structures.