Outdoors, the cyclamen mite can attack delphinium, aconite, chrysanthemum, verbena, strawberry and viola. Damage to delphinium is particularly severe, as flower stalks become twisted and buds turn black and do not open. Broad mites inject a toxin from their saliva as they feed. Leaves become twisted, hardened and distorted with bronzed lower surfaces. Young terminal buds can be killed.
Leaves frequently turn downward.
Broad mites have a wide host range and can feed on African violets, ageratum, begonia, cyclamen, dahlia, gerbera, gloxinia, hibiscus, ivy, jasmine, impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, lantana, marigold, snapdragon, verbena, and zinnia. Broad mites can also infest vegetable bedding plants such as beans, peppers and tomatoes. F favor the development of cyclamen mites. Severe outbreaks may occur in greenhouses in the fall and winter months. Females may live for up to one month and can reproduce without mating.