Spider-mite
Guides
Eurytetranychus
Eurytetranychus is a genus of spider mites (Tetranychidae) known primarily as pests of boxwood (Buxus species). The most notable species, Eurytetranychus buxi, feeds on boxwood foliage and has been identified as a significant arthropod pest in managed landscapes. Climate change may allow this mite to complete additional generations in warming regions, potentially increasing damage in areas where it was previously unproblematic.
Eurytetranychus buxi
Boxwood Mite
Eurytetranychus buxi, commonly known as the boxwood mite, is a spider mite in the family Tetranychidae that specializes on boxwood (Buxus species). It is a significant pest of cultivated boxwood in North America and Europe. Climate change may allow this mite to complete additional generations in warmer conditions, potentially increasing damage in regions where it was previously unproblematic.
Oligonychus
Oligonychus is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae containing approximately 200 described species. Many species are significant agricultural pests attacking diverse crops including tea, coffee, corn, sugarcane, date palms, and numerous ornamental plants. The genus exhibits broad host plant associations spanning monocots and dicots, with several species causing economically important damage through leaf feeding.
Panonychus
spider mites
Panonychus is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, established by Yokoyama in 1929. The genus comprises approximately 16 described species, including several economically significant agricultural pests. Notable species include Panonychus citri (citrus red mite), a major pest of citrus crops, and Panonychus ulmi (European red mite or fruit tree red spider mite), which attacks deciduous fruit and forest trees. These mites are characterized by their phytophagous feeding habits and have developed resistance to numerous pesticides.
Panonychus citri
Citrus Red Mite
Panonychus citri, commonly known as the citrus red mite, is a major agricultural pest of citrus orchards with a global distribution spanning Asia, the Mediterranean Basin, North America, South America, and Africa. The mite feeds by sucking cytoplasm from plant cells, causing chlorotic spots, premature leaf fall, brown skin discoloration, rough skin texture, and stunted fruit growth. Severe infestations can reduce fruit yields by up to 70%. The species has developed resistance to more than 23 pesticides due to extensive acaricide use, making integrated pest management strategies increasingly important. Research indicates that local factors, particularly citrus plant canopy density, significantly influence population dynamics more than landscape-scale factors.
Panonychus ulmi
European red mite, fruit tree red spider mite, apple red spider mite
Panonychus ulmi, the European red mite, is a major agricultural pest of deciduous fruit trees with global economic significance. The species exhibits a high reproductive rate and short generation time of approximately 21 days at 20°C, enabling multiple broods per year. It possesses a cosmopolitan distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Australasia. First described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1836, this spider mite is particularly damaging to apple orchards and grapevines.
Petrobia
brown wheat mite, oxalis mite
Petrobia is a genus of spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, containing 34 described species. The genus includes several economically important agricultural pests, notably P. latens (brown wheat mite) and P. harti (oxalis mite). Species are distinguished by morphological features including elongated first leg pairs, pad-like claws with hooked empodia, and distinctive prodorsal setae arrangements. The genus is divided into three subgenera: Mesotetranychus, Petrobia, and Tetranychina, differentiated primarily by peritreme structure and dorsal setae characteristics.
Petrobia harti
Woodsorrel Mite
Petrobia harti is a spider mite in the family Tetranychidae, commonly known as the Woodsorrel Mite. It has been recorded from multiple countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, and Costa Rica. As a member of the Tetranychidae, it is likely a plant-feeding mite, though specific host associations and detailed biology remain poorly documented in the provided sources.
Tetranychus
spider mite
Tetranychus is a genus of spider mites (Family Tetranychidae) comprising over 140 described species, including some of the most economically destructive agricultural pests worldwide. The genus is characterized by haplodiploid reproduction, silk production, and rapid population growth under favorable conditions. Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite) is the most significant species, though T. evansi (tomato red spider mite) and T. ludeni have emerged as major invasive pests. These mites feed on plant cell contents, causing stippling damage, and are notoriously difficult to control due to their short generation times and ability to develop pesticide resistance.