PEST PROFILES: NON-INSECT ARTHROPOD PESTS

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Spider Mite Mite Web Spider Mite Cyclamen Mite Mite Eggs Crawler Click on image to view larger.

Broad mites and cyclamen mites Description: Adult mites are microscopic. Eggs are clear, oval and marked with characteristic rows of white tubercles that appear gem-like under proper lighting. Immatures resemble adults, although smaller in size. Broad mites are very similar to cyclamen mites, but can be separated by the lack of tubercles on cyclamen mite eggs and by the structure of the hind legs of the males. Damage: Broad mites are a particular problem on greenhouse nursery crops during the winter months. Mites are found on the undersides of leaves and in cupped young foliage and flower buds. Affected leaves turn bronze, may thicken, become brittle and appear cupped or otherwise deformed as they emerge. Occasionally, the growing point of the plant is killed. Life cycle: Mites can be identified only with proper magnification. Adults have 4 pair of legs, with 2 pair toward the front of the body and 2 near the rear. The middle of the body may be constricted to look waist-like. Males are shorter, broad and have longer hind legs. The life cycle takes from 4 to 10 days.