Outdoors, the adult female can overwinter in protected locations as far north as Canada. High temperatures of 70 o to 80 o F favor the development of broad mites. Female broad mites lay from 30 to 75 eggs on the leaf surface over an 8 to 13 day period. Larvae hatch in 2 to 3 days and begin feeding. Adult and larval broad mites tend to be faster moving than cyclamen mites.
Broad mites can complete their life cycle from egg to adult in as little as one week's time.
Monitoring Both broad and cyclamen mites are too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope. Regular inspection of crops for their feeding damage is the best way to detect infestations. Tarsonemid mites tend to avoid light and are found in the crown of host plants. Cyclamen mites feed in the young, developing buds whereas broad mites feed on the underside of leaves. If characteristic symptoms are seen, send samples to a diagnostic laboratory that can inspect samples under a microscope.