How Do Spider Mites Turn Into Spiders?
WouterSpider mites are a member of the arachnid family. They are tiny insects that have eight legs. They are named for the silk webbing they produce around the leaves of plants.
These spider mites live in colonies that may contain hundreds of individuals. They feed on leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit. When they infest your plants, they can cause severe damage. In some cases, they can even kill the plant. However, you can prevent them from destroying your plants.
The life cycle of a spider mite varies depending on the weather and environment. Under favorable conditions, the population can expand rapidly. If the weather turns cold or predatory insects take over the population, the spider mite population may fall.
During summer, the spider mite population is very high. They can multiply quickly in hot, dry weather. Therefore, if you’re growing a vulnerable crop, you should scout for the presence of these insects. Speckling, discoloration, and loss of leaves can indicate the presence of these bugs.
In warm weather, spider mites can molt into adult stage in a matter of days. When they are fully grown, they measure 1/50 of an inch in length. During the winter, they stay dormant.
Usually, spider mites reproduce sexually. They lay eggs on the undersides of leaves. Larvae then hatch from these eggs and feed on sap from the undersides of leaves. After a few days, the larvae form webbing over the infested leaf surfaces.
