Insect Gallery

mite
Image courtesy of Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University

mites
Image courtesy of Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University

Scorch mite leaf damage
Image courtesy of Charlie Graham

Insect Details

Name: Mites

Latin Name:

Description: Spider mites are very small and often cannot be seen without magnification. The newly hatched mite has 6 legs but all other active stages have 8 legs. Several different species exist in Oklahoma. Several common species spin fine, irregular webs over the infested parts of plants but other species spin little or no webbing.

Insects Life Cycle: Some species overwinter as adults and others overwinter as eggs. They hatch or become active as the weather warms in the spring. Hot, dry weather is favorable for most spider mites and during the summer months they can complete a generation in 7 to 14 days. Mite infestations can increase rapidly and cause extensive damage to plants in a short time. Infestations usually decline as the weather becomes cooler and wetter in the fall.

Insects Symptons: Damage occurs when the mites suck plant juices with their small, needle-like mouthparts. Damage is indicated by yellowing and bronzing of leaves. Dense populations can cause significant damage.