Greater numbers are found on the south side and top of the trees. Eggs are disc-shaped and are usually laid on either side of the midrib and branching veins. A long established pest of California and Florida citrus, this mite first invaded Texas in 1980. Larger than the Texas citrus mite, it is characterized by a globose red body with prominent tubercles from which arise reddish bristles. Eggs are spherical and bright red, and have a central stalk with fine threads radiating from its top to the leaf surface.
Red mites feed mainly on foliage, causing chlorosis and defoliation.
Damaging infestations can develop during mild winters. They infest the whole tree starting on the inside canopy. Legs are pale red and body red to purplish in color. They produce a brownish discoloration, which may eventually cover the entire leaf. Heaviest infestations are found along roads, where dust on the trees appears to favor mite infestations.