This mite has an extensive host range and may cause economic damage, depending on the host. In Hawaii, the red and black flat mite has been reported on anthurium, banana, Hemigraphis, lemon, macadamia, orchid, papaya and passion fruit. In other parts of the world it is common on tea and Citrus. This is a tropical-subtropical species that has been accidentally transported by man to many areas of North America where it survives in greenhouses. This mite was first found in Hawaii on Oahu in 1955 and has subsequently been reported on Kauai, the Big Island and Maui.
Old damage is characterized by browning of the damaged leaf surface.
In addition, some hosts exhibit deformed leaves. The mites move upward on the trunk and outward onto the leaves and fruit as the population density increases. Feeding damage is pronounced on young papayas and injured areas become sunken because they grow at a different rate than the unaffected tissues. Reproduction primarily occurs through unfertilized parthenogenesis. Eggs produce only females.