Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae

Identification
This mite is tiny pale or red and forms fine webbing.

Location
Common statewide

Size
Microscopic

Diet
It feeds on plant sap.

Habitat
It occurs on many garden plants.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It feeds on plant leaves causing stippling. It is active in hot dry weather.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs rapidly in warm weather.

Population
The population fluctuates with heat.

History
It has long been present in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It may damage crops and ornamentals.

Facts
It can reproduce extremely quickly.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Plant sap | Gardens farms greenhouses | Statewide