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

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.

	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

View Table

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.