Twospotted spider mites can become serious pests of soybean whenever hot, dry weather persists. We have confirmed reports from Lee and Wapello counties in southeastern Iowa where fields have been sprayed because spider mites are burning the leaves and causing plant defoliation. The twospotted spider mite is named for the two dark spots on the sides of the abdomen, which are digested food visible through the insect\u27s translucent body. Three or four spots may be apparent and are most prominent on adult mites
