Mite

Crops attacked

Over-
wintering stage

Mite color and shape

Number of generations

Presence and location

European red mite

Apple, pear, peach, cherry, plum

Eggs

Red, ovoid with distinct large bristles on back

6-8

Eggs hatch in pink bud stage; on foliage rest of the year

Twospotted spider mite

Apple, pear, plum, cherry, peach, nectarine, apricot, Strawberry

Female on
cover crop

Pale to dark green, ovoid with two black spots on abdomen

Variable
(5-9)

All stages on cover crop until drying in June to August, then move into tree; may remain in tree rest of season

Brown mite

Apple, plum, peach, pear, cherry, nectarine, apricot

Eggs

Dull red to greenish, flat back and long front legs

4

Eggs hatch at
¼ -inch green tip; on foliage rest of the year

Apple rust mite

Apple

Female, under bud scales

Very small, cream to light brown, wedged shaped

6-10

Females move to leaves as soon as leaves open in spring and remain on foliage throughout the year

Pear rust mite

Pear

Female, under bud scales

Same as apple rust mite

6-10

Same as apple rust mite