Two-Spotted Spider Mite on Brambles
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Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urtica) adults are less than 1/32-inch long (the size of a grain of salt) and can vary from light green to straw-colored. A distinctive dark spot is present on each side of the body. Eggs are clear and spherical. Mites and their eggs are found on undersides of leaves. Spider mites feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts and cause stippling (tiny light-colored spots) on leaves. Feeding damage can reduce plant health and fruit yields. Webbing between plant structures may be noticeable when populations are high.
Spider mite stippling damage to foliage.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Mites (center with visible legs) and eggs (round, no legs, at arrows).
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Monitor for mite damage.
- Use miticides as needed.
