ITP Logo

Mite Damage


Figure 1. Mite damage on Veitchia sp. seedling. Photo by T.K. Broschat.
Figure 1. Mite damage on Veitchia sp. seedling. Photo by T.K. Broschat.

Symptoms

Mite damage typically appears as a light colored stippling or bleaching of the foliage, especially the older leaves (Fig. 1). Webbing may occasionally be observed.

May be confused with

Thrips (Thysanoptera) also cause stippling on the lower surfaces of older leaves of palms. If present, thrips are usually visible with the naked eye or a hand lens.

Cause

Mite damage is caused by their feeding on the sap of palm leaves.

Occurrence

Palm-feeding mites occur wherever palms are grown. Over 30 species of mites (Acari: Acariformes) from five families (Phytoptidae, Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae, Eriophyidae, and Diptilomiopidae) are known to feed on palm leaves or fruits.



    USDA Lucid