Young mites move to newly opened leaves where they feed, mature, and reproduce. The rate at which mites develop is primarily temperature dependent. Hot, dry weather favors development, while cool, wet weather delays mite activities. Each female is capable of laying 35 eggs during her average life span of 18 days. Eight to 10 generations occur during the year.
Mites feeding on leaves cause injury to the tree by removing leaf tissue.
The most serious injury occurs in early summer when trees are producing fruit buds for the following season. Moderate to heavily infested trees produce fewer and less vigorous fruit buds. Mites feeding on leaves also reduce the ability of leaves to manufacture enough food for desirable sizing of fruit. A characteristic brown foliage that, in severe cases, becomes bronze, results from heavy mite feeding. Left unchecked, mite populations can affect fruit color and result in premature fruit drop.