The eggs of the brown mite (Bryobia rubrioculus) are round, bright red and sometimes green. The adult’s body is oval and flattened, reddish-brown or greenish in color, with very long front legs (twice the length of other legs). Their eyes are red. Reproduction is parthenogenetic (there are no males). The brown mite places the overwintering eggs ion the bark, twigs and main branches of host trees whereas the summer eggs are laid on the foliage. B. rubrioculus is a serious pest of several fruit trees (apple, cherry, plum and almonds).
Damage
Retarded plant growth
B. rubrioculus feeds on the plant cells, leaving chlorotic stippling on the leaves, which turn into whitish-grey spots. The destruction of the cells results in reduced photosynthesis, plant growth reduction or even, if the infestation is large enough, trees may drop their leaves prematurely, reducing tree productivity and even the death of young plants.
Natural Enemies
There are specific natural enemies for different species of mites.
For more information contact your local BioBee field agent.