Where does spider mite appear on cucumbers? - briefly
Spider mites are most commonly found on the undersides of cucumber leaves, where they feed on cell contents. They may also infest stems and the outer skin of developing fruit under high humidity conditions.
Where does spider mite appear on cucumbers? - in detail
Spider mites colonize the most vulnerable cucumber tissues. Adult females and mobile stages settle on the abaxial (underside) surface of leaves, where trichomes provide shelter and humidity is higher. Feeding punctures appear as tiny yellow stippling that coalesces into larger chlorotic patches.
Stems and petioles host mites when leaf cover is sparse; the smooth bark allows easier movement and access to vascular tissue. Young shoots exhibit higher mite density because tender cells are easier to pierce.
Fruit surfaces are less preferred, yet infestations occur on the calyx and the area near the blossom end. Mites exploit the soft epidermal cells around the fruit neck, especially under high temperature and low humidity conditions.
Typical distribution patterns include:
- Underside of mature leaves – primary feeding zone, highest population.
- Young leaves and new growth – rapid colonization, visible stippling.
- Stem nodes and petioles – secondary sites, especially when leaf canopy is thinned.
- Fruit calyx and blossom end – occasional presence, linked to severe outbreaks.
Signs of activity comprise fine webbing on leaf undersides, increased leaf drop, and reduced photosynthetic capacity. Monitoring should focus on the leaf underside and new growth to detect early infestations.