Peanut mite

Paraplonobia spp.

A relatively large mite (1.5 mm long) with eight legs and a very dark green body with pale legs. These mites drop off leaves if disturbed. Leaf-feeding by peanut mites is characterised by fine silver stippling.

Damage: Peanut mite-feeding causes a yellowing and silvering of leaves. Damage by high populations causes shedding of lower leaves and eventual plant death. Peanut mite damage to leaves may be confused with stippling caused by vegetable jassids but is much finer.