Key to Mites

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Key to the Most Common Mites Found on Flowers and Foliage Plants

• • 1. Mites visible to the naked eye; infested plant may be discolored but
    usually not distorted by feeding...........2
    1a. Mites not visible without at least a 10 X hand lens; infested plants
    usually cease blooming and have shortened internodes, distorted leaves and
    stems, and blasted buds...........3

    2. Mites feeding on foliage and causing tiny chlorotic spots, mites sometimes
    accompanied by fine silk webbing.....Twospotted spider mite
    2a. Mites feeding primarily in the bulbs of Easter lilies.....Bulb mites

    3. Egg oval, about 0.08 mm long, covered with minute white bumps (Fig.110);
    female translucent brown and about 0.2 mm long, shaped like a fat football.....Broad mite
    3a. Egg oval, about 0.1 mm long, without minute bumps; female translucent
    brown, about 0.3 mm long, shaped like a skinny football.....Cyclamen mite

University of Florida/IFAS Reference to Pest Control Guides