Citrus rust mite (Silver mite)—Phyllocoptruta oleivora
This pest is known as the rust mite on oranges and the silver mite on lemons. It is an infrequent pest
in most areas and occurs primarily in the southern coastal areas of California. It is very small, deep
yellow in color, and wedge shaped. A hand lens is required to view it.
Identification of species
Damage
The rust mite feeds on the outside exposed surface of fruit that is 0.5 inch or larger. Feeding destroys
rind cells and the surface becomes silvery on lemons, rust brown on mature oranges, or black on green
oranges. This damage does not hurt the quality of the fruit inside. Most damage occurs from late spring
to late summer.
Solutions
In backyard situations, treatment should not generally be necessary. If infestations are heavy, a treatment
with wettable sulfur can be applied. | 
