Description
Mites are tiny insects that are microscopic, growing to less than 1 millimetre in size. There are several species of pest mites in Aotearoa New Zealand that cause a range of damage and symptoms to plants. Mites have also been introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand as a biological control for pest plants such as gorse.
Spider mites cause the most damage to a broader range of plants. The two-spotted spider mite and European red mite are the most common spider mite pests. Mites are chewing insects; they chew through leaves resulting in leaf speckling and pale leaves. They often produce webbing to protect themselves against predators. Mites thrive in hot conditions and populations build rapidly
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific Names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Clianthus | Kākābeak |
| Cordyline spp. | Tī kōuka, cabbage tree, tī |
| Podocarpus tōtara | Tōtara |
Scientific Names
Clianthus
Māori/common names
Kākābeak
Scientific Names
Cordyline spp.
Māori/common names
Tī kōuka, cabbage tree, tī
Scientific Names
Podocarpus tōtara
Māori/common names
Tōtara
Symptoms and damage
- Can cause galls on some plants.
- During high infestations webbing may be visible on foliage.
- Leaf bronzing.
- Leaf distortion.
- Leaf speckling and chlorosis.
- Yellow speckles on leaves which turn silver or bronze.
Prevention and control tips
- Weed management.
- Biological control organisms.
- Miticides.
- Organic insecticides.
- Spray oil.
- Sulphur.
Natural predators
Ladybirds.