Twospotted Spider Mite
Tetranychus urticae
This record describes Tetranychus urticae (species). Recorded family: Tetranychidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced from Europe. A pest of house plants and cultivated plants.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Tetranychoidea
- Family
- Tetranychidae (Spider Mites)
- Subfamily
- Tetranychinae
- Genus
- Tetranychus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Five stages - egg, larva, first nymphal stage (protonymph), second nymphal stage (deutonymph) and adult mite.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Koch, 1836.
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Tetranychus urticae. 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 Twospotted Spider Mite (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Twospotted Spider Mite
What is Twospotted Spider Mite?
Twospotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a species in the family Tetranychidae, within the order Trombidiformes.
How big is Twospotted Spider Mite?
About 0.5 mm
What is the life cycle of a Twospotted Spider Mite?
Five stages - egg, larva, first nymphal stage (protonymph), second nymphal stage (deutonymph) and adult mite.