Identification
The two-spotted mite’s Indonesian name is "tungau" and its scientific name is Tetranychus urticae.
Mites are related to spiders. Only the first immature stage called crawlers have six legs. All other stages have eight legs, not six legs like insects.
Actively feeding two-spotted mites are yellow to green with a prominent dark band on each side of the body. Adults are small — about 0.5mm long. Use a 10 times magnifier when looking for them. They usually occur on the lower side of leaves but as an infestation develops, they will feed on both sides of a leaf.
Eggs are spherical with a pearly lustre. Red eyespots are visible through the egg just prior to hatching.
Feeding by two-spotted mites results in leaves becoming mottled yellow or silver. The presence of mites is first noticed by this change in colour to leaves.
If not controlled, mite infestation can be severe. The mites produce webbing and eventually kill the leaves, which turn brown. This leaf loss reduces crop vigour and yield.
In cooler conditions, mites become dormant and are orange. These mites reactivate when warm weather returns. In temperate regions, overwintering commences in autumn and these adults become active again in early spring.