spider mite

noun

: any of various small web-spinning mites (family Tetranychidae) that include destructive pests of plants

called also red spider

Examples of spider mite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Common insect pests of hollies include holly leaf miner, spider mites, and scale. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024 Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Check your lemon tree weekly for pests, such as aphids, spider mites, scale, and fungal diseases. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2024 The reason behind this practice is that worm castings contain an enzyme known as chitinase that breaks down chitin, the major constituent in the exoskeleton of many insects, including whiteflies, aphids, and leaf miners, as well as spider mites. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spider mite 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spider mite was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near spider mite

Cite this Entry

“Spider mite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spider%20mite. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

spider mite

noun
: any of various mites that spin webs and include some that attack plants

called also red spider

More from Merriam-Webster on spider mite

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