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Citrus Pest Quick Guide: Citrus Rust Mite and Pink Citrus Rust Mite (Phyllocoptruta oleivora Ashmead) (Aculops pelekassi Keifer)

L. M. Diepenbrock and J. D. Burrow

The purpose of this fact sheet is to aid in the identification of a common insect pest in citrus and its damage. This publication is targeted for a general public audience

Life Cycle

Citrus rust mite (CRM) and pink citrus rust mite (PCRM) are very similar but do have subtle differences that separate the two species.

Table 1.Difference between Citrus Rust Mite and Pink Citrus Rust Mite

 

Citrus Rust Mite (Crm)

Pink Citrus Rust Mite (Pcrm)

Eggs

Spherical and clear, found along leaf midribs or clustered in fruit depressions

Flat and opaque, found scattered along the leaf or fruit surface

Nymphs (Larvae)

Resemble adults, changefrom clear to yellow as they age

Resemble adults; change fromclear to pink as they age

Adults

Straw-colored to yellow with an elongated, wedge-shaped body

Pink, narrower, more rounded, and smaller than the CRM

Lifespan

14 to 20 days

14 to 20 days

Peak Activity

Populations build in early summer

Early spring; feed on leaves and flowers before moving to fruit

Damage

Both mites feed on green stems, leaves, and fruit. Damage from high populations of CRM can lead to fruit drop. PCRM can also cause damage to leaves.

Rust mites prefer hot, dry conditions and are generally found feeding on the fruit and foliage on the outer margins of the tree. Populations have been noted to be higher in the north bottom of trees as compared to the south upper portion of trees.

The main concern with CRM and PCRM is damage to fruit intended for fresh market, as blemishes render the fruit unable to be sold. However, when damage is severe, it can also reduce juice quality.

Figure 1. Citrus rust mite adults and eggs.
Credit: C. C. Childers, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 2. Pink citrus rust mite adults.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 3. Citrus rust mite damage. Inset: Bronzing damage caused by citrus rust mite.
Credit: M. E. Rogers, UF/IFAS; J. D. Burrow, UF/IFAS

 

Figure 4. Pink citrus rust mite damage.
Credit: C. C. Childers, UF/IFAS