Spider Mite

Description:

I had never seen one of these before so making an ID took several hours since I didn't know where to start. It is only about 1-2 mm long and bright red. Once I figured out it was a spider mite, I tried to narrow it down to species, then I found out that species identification invariably require a good lateral mount of the male aedeagus, ( reproductive organ), and even then only a specialist with extensive experience is likely to feel confident of the identification.

Habitat:

This spider mite was found on a yellow wild tulip type flower next to a dry creek bed on a warm day. Spider mites can be found worldwide and depending on the species they feed on plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Notes:

Spider mites attack an extraordinary diversity of economically important plants throughout the world.