Mites abdomen are unsegmented. Body is more or less oval. Photo at left depicts close-up view of adult spider mites. Notice the two black spots on their backs. Most are plant feeders, usually on palms, greenhouse plants and shrubs.
Mites can cause severe foliage damage to plants.
Some mites are known to be gall makers on Ficus spp . Phytoseiulus persimilis is red in color. It differs from the harmful red mite by its lack of spots. The red mite that is a pest has the same two spots on its back as the common spider mite. P. persimilis are easily recognized under a lens by their quick movements when in bright light.