The follow- ing guide may be useful in their identification. This mite has an extremely wide host range and is the most common spider mite encountered. There is a noticeable green area on each side of its body. Seasonal histories of the above species are quite similar. At high population densities, available leaf material on which to feed is reduced and many of the species may migrate to other parts of the leaf or plant or to other plants.
Most species reach their greatest population densitites and do the most damage by midsummer.
The spruce mite usually has maximum populations in both spring and fall. Clover mites are most often pests in late spring in houses. Spider mites can complete a life cycle in about 10 days depending on weather conditions. Rapid population growth is possible and if unchecked may infest all available leaf tissue of the plant. A rapid population decline usually follows.