Information in this article is from a number of sources, but the most recent review of bulb mites is the major source. The two most important and widespread bulb mite species are Rhizoglyphus echinopus and R. robini . Both species apparently are distributed virtually worldwide. One of the reasons that the mites are so widespread is that they can survive on numerous food sources and are often shipped long distances on bulbs, corms and tubers. Biology Bulb mites usually occur in groups or colonies.
All developmental stages are present throughout the year.
This is a non-feeding stage that can attach itself to a visiting insect and be carried elsewhere to begin life anew. This is called phoresy, and contributes to more widespread distribution. The number of eggs produced by female bulb mites varies widely with the host plant, host plant quality and temperature. As with egg deposition, development time from egg to adult also varies with temperature, with some effects of host plant. Adult bulb mites are shiny white and smooth.