Question of the Week – Spider Mites

17.07.2024 - 12:40 / hgic.clemson.edu

What caused the stippling on this eggplant leaf?

This damage was caused by two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urica). While spider mites are often included in discussions of insect management, they actually have 8 legs, making them more closely related to spiders. Typically, two-spotted spider mites can be found feeding on the underside of the leaves. They puncture the cells of leaves to feed, resulting in the visible stippling effect seen on the upper leaf surface. As the infestation increases, webbing is likely to be observed. To see the tiny adults more easily, a 10x hand lens can be useful, or the zoom feature can be used on a cell phone’s camera. The eggs will have a translucent spherical appearance. For information on managing spider mites, see the 2024 SE Vegetable Crop Handbook.