Two-Spotted Spider Mite

Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
Two-spotted spider mites are one of the most important species of spider mite. They are known to feed on more than 180 different plant species - both indoor and outdoor. They are a widely distributed pest of orchards, nursery plants, houseplants, garden plants, and crops.

Two-spotted spider mites are tiny – about 1/60 inch in length – and their color ranges from white to light red. They feed on the underside of foliage with their sucking mouthparts and cause a speckled appearance, yellowing, bronzing, leaf loss, dehydration, and even death. They are abundant in hot, dry climates, especially in times of drought. Females can lay up to 200 eggs, and in extremely warm and dry conditions, the life cycle can be complete in 7 days.

It is common for this species of spider mite to produce protective webbing that is sometimes mistaken for a spider web. Two-spotted spider mites can be dispersed over a wide area by being carried on a balloon of their webbing by the wind. They thrive on plants that are under great stress.

Photo courtesy of Clemson University Department of Entomology, Soils & Plant Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service.

For control products and more information please see our Mite Control page.