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. Because of the size of these insects it is very difficult to see the different stages without the use of a microscope. The duration of different life stages varies with temperature and humidity. Generations are continuous in Hawaii, often overlapping. EGGS Eggs are deposited in cracks, crevices and other protected areas on the plant surface.