Tetranychus spp.
Pest description and damage Several species of spider mites can cause damage to spiraea. Appearance of these mites varies with the species, although all are 0.02 inch or smaller. Adults and nymphs can be yellowish, greenish, or reddish brown, depending on species. Female European red mites are round with red bodies; males are yellowish red. Twospotted mites are oval and yellowish-brown or green with distinctive black spots on the body. Plants are covered with fine silk webbing at branch axils or over sections, small plants may be engulfed in webbing under very heavy infestations. Mites damage spiraea by feeding on leaves, which causes stippling, bronzing, and possibly leaf drop. The reduction in photosynthesis causes loss of vigor and seed productivity.
For biology, life history, monitoring and management
See "Spider mite" in:
Management-chemical control
See Table 1 in: