# Eriophyid mite

> A family of microscopic, carrot-shaped mites with only two pairs of legs; includes the hemp russet mite, invisible without about 40-60x magnification.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/eriophyid-mite.html
- Also written: eriophyid, eriophyid mites, Eriophyidae
- Glossary category: Pests and diseases · Evidence: Established
- Status: Draft: awaiting expert review · Updated: 2026-10-31
- Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), attribute "GenetixBay cannabis glossary"

Eriophyid mites (family Eriophyidae) are the smallest plant-feeding [mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/two-spotted-spider-mite.md), roughly 0.2 mm long, worm- or carrot-shaped, with two pairs of legs at the front end instead of four. They include rust, russet, gall and bud mites. The [hemp russet mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp-russet-mite.md), Aculops cannabicola, is the [cannabis species](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cannabis-sativa.md); Colorado State notes it cannot be seen without magnification.

## In practice

Eriophyids are found by their damage (bronzing, upward curling, brittle leaves) and confirmed with a 40-60x [loupe](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/jewelers-loupe.md) or microscope, often by lifting mites onto clear tape. They spread on clones and air currents. Their size and speed of increase make them a zero-tolerance pest in mother rooms.

## Don't confuse with

- **Spider mites**: much larger, four pairs of legs, visible at 10x.
- **Tarsonemid mites**: broad and [cyclamen mites](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cyclamen-mite.md), also tiny but with four pairs of legs.

## Related terms

[Hemp russet mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/hemp-russet-mite.md), [Broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md), [Predatory mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/predatory-mite.md)

## Read more

- [Hemp russet mite (Aculops cannabicola): life cycle, detection and control](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/hemp-russet-mite.md)
- [Broad mites on cannabis: life table, spread and control (plus russet mite summary)](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/pests/broad-russet-mites.md)

## Sources

1. Colorado State University. Hemp russet mite (hemp IPM). https://agsci.colostate.edu/agbio/ipm-pests/29895-2/