Application of a dormant oil to the lower surface of leaves when overwintering eggs … Species include: Oligonychus aceris (maple spider mite), a pest of maples; Oligonychus afrasiaticus (date palm spider mite), a major pest of the date palm in North Africa and the Middle East; also on grasses, including maize Adult mites are very small, about the size of a period. In North Carolina, the most important cool season mites are the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) and southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis). Red Palm Mites: These tiny insects have flat bodies and a bright red color. Oligonychus ilicis The southern red mite, also known as red spider, is a major pest of many broadleaf evergreen plants in the eastern half of the country. If you suspect the presence of southern red mite, report it to Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23 or contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. There are several generations per year. Recognition and Life Cycle. Host Plants-Southern red mites seem to prefer azaleas, camellias, and hollies. The red eggs overwinter on the undersides of leaves. These mites have also been recorded on clethra (sweet pepperbush), cleyera, … Predaceous mites have longer legs than the southern red mite and move much faster. This spider mite, at times exceptionally destructive, is a common and serious pest throughout the eastern United States and in California. In hot summer months, … They are oval shaped, reddish colored, with eight legs. An important symptom of mite damage is leaves that turn gray or brown and prematurely fall from the …
The southern red mite punctures the cells of upper surface of leaves and absorbs some of the extravasated cellular content in order to feed themselves; this makes the leaves lose their natural shine and become tanned, These are among the earliest and most damaging pests in nurseries and landscapes. The southern red mite is … This spider mite, at times exceptionally destructive, is a common and serious pest throughout the eastern United States and in California. Distribution-The southern red mite was first reported on hollies at Batesburg, South Carolina, in 1917. (1998) reported the southern red mite from from seven countries on four continents, feeding on 34 plant species in 15 families.
They feed mostly on broad-leafed evergreen plants, like azalea, camellia, and holly families. As their name implies, cool season mites are active in spring and fall when they suck fluid from cells on plant leaves and needles. Infested leaves turn gray or brown and may fall prematurely. They are a darker red and are oval shaped. The long cool spring seems to have been great for cool season mites. Plants that are weakened by drought, poor growing conditions and other pest infestations are more likely to suffer severe damage by this mite species. Look for red overwintering eggs on the lower surface of leaves from November through early spring.