# Tarsonemid mite

> The thread-footed mite family that includes broad mites and cyclamen mites; tiny pests of growing tips, best seen at 40x or more.

- Canonical: https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/tarsonemid-mite.html
- Also written: tarsonemid, tarsonemid mites, Tarsonemidae, thread-footed mite
- 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"

Tarsonemid mites (family Tarsonemidae, the thread-footed mites) are tiny, about 0.1-0.3 mm, with four pairs of legs; the hind legs of females are thread-like. The [broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md) Polyphagotarsonemus latus and [cyclamen mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cyclamen-mite.md) Phytonemus pallidus are the main plant pests. UF/IFAS describes broad mite feeding on young growth and the twisted, bronzed tissue that follows.

## In practice

Tarsonemid damage [looks](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/bag-appeal.md) like a nutrient or herbicide problem: glossy, twisted, stunted new growth. Confirm at 40-60x on the youngest leaves. Males carry quiescent females to new leaves, and broad mites can ride on [whiteflies](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/whitefly.md) and [aphids](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/aphid.md), so control of those insects also limits spread.

## Don't confuse with

- **Eriophyid mites**: two pairs of legs, carrot-shaped.
- **Spider mites**: larger, webbing, visible at 10x.

## Related terms

[Broad mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/broad-mite.md), [Cyclamen mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/cyclamen-mite.md), [Eriophyid mite](https://genetixbay.com/knowledge/glossary/eriophyid-mite.md)

## Read more

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

## Sources

1. Fasulo, T.R. Broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus. UF/IFAS EENY-183. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in340-2005