Two spotted spider mites are very small (1/80 - 1/60 inch long), with 2 spots on their back
Pests that are a problem usually in during hot dry weather.
Mites overwinter in leaf debris in and around fields.
Females find their way into fields by climbing to the top of their feeding site and releasing a long string of silk from
their abdomen that catches a breeze and they become airborne.
Because they have such a wide host range, wherever they land they can usually start to feed.
Females can lay 50-100 spherical eggs. Unfertilized eggs turn into males, and fertilized ones turn into females. The life cycle of the mites can be as short as 5-7 days in the summer.
Mite infestations usually start on the field edge and move towards the center over time.
Hot, dry weather conditions favor rapid development of eggs, increases feeding of nymphs and adults.
Dusty conditions also favor mite activity. Both nymph and adult mites feed by piercing the cell walls of the leaf and sucking out the juices.
Two spotted spider mites damage appears as a yellow discoloration or a mottled sand blasted appearance on tomato leaves, which can take on a bronze, then brown color.
During hot, dry conditions continue for several weeks, fields should be checked closely, especially along borders and near grassy areas.
The underside of several lower leaves should be checked for mite activity.