The larvae feed for 1 to 3 days before going into the resting pupal stage. The pupal stage of this mite is a resting period in which there is no feeding. Sexes are similar in appearance, except for the fourth pair of legs. The pupal lasts 2 to 3 days. The mites are very small and difficult to see without a hand lens.
Live specimens are light, translucent yellowish green.
A pale white stripe runs longitudinally down the back of the female. Dead specimens are yellowish brown. They have 4 pairs of whitish legs, but the fourth pair of the female adult is greatly reduced. The adult males have a specialized last pair of legs and are often seen carrying a female pupa over its body. The males often carry the pupae to newly opened leaves.