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 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 When bay leaf grows indoors, monitor the plants for mealybugs and spider mites. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2024 Pests Many sap-sucking insects target pepper leaves, including aphids (damage shown above), whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024 Basil is also known to deter aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies and reduce egg-laying by armyworms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for spider mite 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spider mite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Sep. 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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