Two-Spotted Spider Mite on Legume Vegetable
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Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a common mid-to late-season pest of beans in Kentucky, particularly during prolonged hot, dry weather. Adults and nymphs feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts to remove cell contents; feeding results in stippling of leaves. Foliage may appear bronze when damage is extensive; webbing may be noticeable when mite populations are large. Adult mites are tiny (only about ½0 inch) with a dark spot on each side of their yellowish-green bodies. Broad-spectrum insecticides can deplete natural enemies of mites and lead to mite outbreaks.
Two-spotted spider mite.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Limit use of broad-spectrum insecticides. Monitor regularly for mites and signs of leaf damage, particularly along field margins.