At low population densities, cyclamen mites are usually found along the midvein of young unfolded leaves and under the calyx of newly emerged flower buds. At high population densities, these mites can be found anywhere on nonexpanded plant tissue. However, in the field, cyclamen mites survive by residing within the protected folded leaves and sometimes blossom buds of strawberries. Leaves heavily infested with cyclamen mites become severely stunted and crinkled, resulting in a compact leaf mass in the center of the plant. Feeding may also result in flower withering and poor fruit production.
Cyclamen mites are primarily pests in second year plantings.
Eggs are translucent and comparatively large. During summer, newly hatched mites develop into mature adults within 2 weeks. Populations build rapidly soon after they begin to infest a field. Cyclamen mites overwinter as adult females in the strawberry crown. The cyclamen mite is extremely difficult to control by means of chemicals because the mite is resistant to many of the comercial insecticides, and because of its location within unfolded leaves on the plant.