Spruce Spider Mite
Oligonychus ununguis
This record describes Oligonychus ununguis (species). Recorded family: Tetranychidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
Spruce Spider Mite (Oligonychus ununguis) is a species in the family Tetranychidae, commonly known as spider mites, belonging to the order Trombidiformes. It is classified within the subfamily Tetranychinae, suborder Prostigmata, superfamily Tetranychoidea. This species belongs to the genus Oligonychus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Tetranychoidea
- Family
- Tetranychidae (Spider Mites)
- Subfamily
- Tetranychinae
- Genus
- Oligonychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Most species of conifers, including spruce ( Picea ), fir ( Abies ), hemlock ( Tsuga ), pine ( Pinus ), larch ( Larix ), arborvitae ( Thuja ), and juniper ( Juniperus ).
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Oligonychus ununguis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Trombidiformes includes ~26,000 described species of mites including velvet mites, chiggers, and spider mites. Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are among the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide.
Ecological role of the group
Velvet mites are important soil predators. Chigger larvae are parasitic on vertebrates and can cause intense itching (trombidiosis). Some mite species are used as biological control agents against pest mites in agriculture.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Spider mites cause billions of dollars in crop damage globally, affecting over 1,100 plant species. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) has developed resistance to more pesticides than any other arthropod.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, agricultural pest management research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Spruce Spider Mite (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Marci Hess