The key difference between spider mites and aphids is that spider mites are smaller arachnids that normally feed on plant leaves, while aphids are larger insects that normally feed on the phloem sap of plants.
Spider mites and aphids are plant pests that attack plants. They belong to the phylum Arthropoda. These pests can be identified predominantly in greenhouses, gardens, and even household pot plants. Both these plant pests cause the same destruction to the plants. Therefore, they may cause economic losses. Moreover, if necessary management practices are not taken, these pests can wreak havoc on beautiful plants.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Spider Mites
3. What are Aphids
4. Similarities – Spider Mites and Aphids
5. Spider Mites vs Aphids in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Spider Mites vs Aphids
What are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are smaller arachnids that normally feed on eating plant leaves. Arachnids are about 1/15 of an inch. Therefore, they are very difficult to see with the naked eye. The colors of these arachnids range from white, green, brown, red, and orange. Spider mites have eight legs, no antennae, a wide midsection, and an oval body shape. Spider mites have no tails. Moreover, spider mites are found under leaves. When spider mites occupy the leaves, they leave white webbing on leaves and plant stems. In some cases, spider mites will create webbings that travel to different plants.
Figure 01: Spider Mites
Spider mites prefer hot and dry conditions. Furthermore, they don’t have wings. Therefore, they are unable to fly. Spider mites can cause considerable loss to plants. This is because they eat through the underside of the plants, causing white spots in the plants. Ultimately, the leaves will turn yellow and die off. In addition, spider mites can be controlled through miticide. Other management practices include introducing natural predators (lay bugs), isolating the infested plants, and applying neem oil.
What are Aphids?
Aphids are larger insects that normally feed on sucking the phloem sap of plants. Aphids are 1/8 inch in size. Therefore, they can be seen well by the naked eye. Their colors range from green, white, black, brown, yellow, pink, red, or grey. They have 6 legs, 2 antennae, and a pear-shaped body with a narrow head. Aphids are usually found under leaves, flower buds, soft stems, and new shoots. Moreover, aphids have cornicles or tail extensions at the end of their body.
Figure 02: Aphids
When plants are infected, they produce a sweet and sticky substance known as honeydew on the leaves of the plants. Furthermore, these insects can fly, and they are active during spring in warm temperatures. As these insects suck up the sap out of the soft plants, the plants tend to have stunted growth, and yellow and wilted leaves eventually fall off. Aphids can be controlled by insecticides, spraying cold water on the leaves that are infected continuously throughout the day, applying horticultural oils, neem oil on the leaves of each plant, and applying one teaspoon of dish soap with water onto the plants that are not edible.
What are the Similarities Between Spider Mites and Aphids?
- Spider mites and aphids are known as plants pests attacking plants.
- Both these pests belong to the phylum Arthropoda.
- They can be identified predominantly in greenhouses, gardens, and even household pot plants.
- They are mainly found in plant leaves.
- Both these pests may cause economic losses.
- They are controlled by spaying chemicals on leaves.
What is the Difference Between Spider Mites and Aphids?
Spider mites are smaller arachnids that normally feed on plant leaves, while aphids are larger insects that normally feed on the phloem sap of the plants. Thus, this is the key difference between spider mites and aphids. Furthermore, spider mites are mainly found under leaves, while aphids are mainly found under leaves, flower buds, soft stems, and new shoots.
The below infographic presents the differences between spider mites and aphids in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Spider Mites vs Aphids
Spider mites and aphids are known as plants pests that harm plants. They belong to the phylum Arthropoda. These pests are mainly found in plant leaves. However, spider mites are smaller arachnids, and they eat plant leaves. Aphids are larger insects, and they feed on the phloem sap of plants. So, this is the key difference between spider mites and aphids.
Reference:
1. Shetlar, David J. “Spider Mites and Their Control.” Ohioline.
2. “Aphids, in-Depth.” Wisconsin Horticulture.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Spider mites on a pepino leaf” By Toby Young – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Aphids May 2010-3” By Alvesgaspar – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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