European Red Mite
Panonychus ulmi
This record describes Panonychus ulmi (species). Recorded family: Tetranychidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
Native to Europe. Introduced into the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s, first recorded in Oregon in 1911
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Tetranychoidea
- Family
- Tetranychidae (Spider Mites)
- Subfamily
- Tetranychinae
- Genus
- Panonychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: It attacks many crops and ornamentals, limited to perennial trees and shrubs. Can be a serious pest of fruit trees. Most commonly a problem on apple, pear, plum, prune and cherry,
Life History
Three immature forms (the larva, protonymph and deutonymph). Overwinters as eggs.
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Panonychus ulmi. 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 European Red Mite (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About European Red Mite
What is European Red Mite?
European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi) is a species in the family Tetranychidae, within the order Trombidiformes.
How big is European Red Mite?
Adult female 0.35 mm. Male 0.30 mm
What does European Red Mite eat?
The diet of the European Red Mite includes It attacks many crops and ornamentals, limited to perennial trees and shrubs. Can be a serious pest of fruit trees. Most commonly a problem on apple, pear, plum, prune and cherry,.
What is the life cycle of a European Red Mite?
Three immature forms (the larva, protonymph and deutonymph). Overwinters as eggs.