Adult females lay round eggs that hatch into six-legged larvae. Immature spidermites develop through a series of nymphal stages before becoming mature adults. Many generations occur per season. Two-spotted spidermites reproduce all season long or year round in greenhouses. Southern red mites and spruce mites are active only in the spring and fall.
Close inspection reveals leaves with a speckled or stippled appearance.
Leaves infested with two-spotted spidermites may have a fine web underneath. In heavy infestations, the web may cover the whole plant. Heavy mite infestations result in premature leaf drop and plant death. Some of the most common plants infested by spidermites are azaleas, boxwoods, carnations, hawthorns, hollies, maples, violets, pyracanthas, oaks, privets, roses, snapdragons, junipers, and spruce. Control Close and regular inspection of plants is essential to the control of spidermites.