Bean red spider mite

Commonly known as the dark-red spider mite, red-legged spider mite or bean mite, this species is found on over 300 plant species world wide including bean, eggplant, hibiscus, pumpkin and other cucurbits in warm areas. It is a common pest on greenhouse crops in temperate areas.

Eggs are usually laid on the underside of leaves, are spherical in shape and pale yellow in colour. Adults are about 0.5 mm long, with eight legs and are uniformly red, without spots. Nymphs and larvae are yellow-green and may show dark spots on each side near the middle of the body.
A bronzing or whitening of the upper leaf surface, particularly near the leaf stalk. Depending on the crop type, leaves turn red or yellow with heavy populations and fine webbing is visible on the lower leaf surface. Heavy infestations can result in leaf dessication and leaf drop.