Where does the strawberry mite live? - briefly
The strawberry mite inhabits the leaves and fruit of cultivated strawberry plants, favoring cool, humid conditions in temperate agricultural zones. It is most prevalent in fields and greenhouses where host plants are abundant.
Where does the strawberry mite live? - in detail
The strawberry mite (Tetranychus fragariae) inhabits environments where its primary host plants grow. It is most commonly encountered in cultivated strawberry fields, where adult females lay eggs on the foliage and fruit. The mite also occupies wild strawberry species (Fragaria spp.) and related Rosaceae plants, exploiting leaf surfaces, flower buds, and developing berries.
Key micro‑habitats include:
- Undersides of leaves, where silk webs protect eggs and nymphs.
- Flower buds, providing shelter and a source of tender tissue.
- Fruit surfaces, especially during ripening, when nutrient content is high.
- Soil litter and plant debris surrounding the root zone, offering refuge during adverse weather.
Geographically, the species is distributed across temperate regions of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Populations thrive in areas with moderate temperatures (15 °C–28 °C) and relative humidity above 60 %, conditions that favor rapid development and reproduction.
Seasonally, infestations peak in late spring and summer, coinciding with vigorous vegetative growth and fruit set. During cooler periods, mites retreat to protected sites such as leaf veins or overwinter in sheltered plant parts, emerging when temperatures rise again.