The life cycle, from egg to adult, is completed in 4 to 6 days. The exposed translucent surface is covered with five or six rows of white bumps called tubercles. Eggs usually hatch in 2 to 3 days. The larvae feed for 1 to 3 days before going into the resting pupal stage. The pupal stage of this mite is a resting period in which there is no feeding.
Sexes are similar in appearance, except for the fourth pair of legs.
The pupal lasts 2 to 3 days. The mites are very small and difficult to see without a hand lens. Live specimens are light, translucent yellowish green. A pale white stripe runs longitudinally down the back of the female. Dead specimens are yellowish brown.