[3] The protonymphs and deutonymphs are somewhat transparent, with some of their inner organs appearing a diffuse green colour, with black or yellow patches.

[2] It is known to occur in: This species has become established in numerous southern states, throughout the mainland from Florida to California, and also in Hawaii.

Usually 4 to 8 clusters of eggs are present, normally deposited in cracks or the hollow cavities in leaves created when the internal mesophyll has been destroyed.

[2] One day before the eggs hatch, they turn opaque white and the red eyes of the larvae within become visible.

During this time it remains attached to the host plant by its stylet alone, with its legs held straight.

In the state of Florida, this mite is known to infest Aphelandra, gardenia, grapefruit, hibiscus, holly, ligustrum, lemon, lime, orange, pecan and viburnum.

They puncture numerous cells in close proximity to one another, causing visible chlorotic spots around the area.

This may cause the skin of the fruit to rupture, and shoots to lose leaves and occasionally die back.

[2] Apart from the physical damage this species can cause, it is also a vector of both Citrus leprosis disease and the coffee ringspot virus.

[3] There are at least four natural predators of this species, but are generally not useful economically, as they attack Brevipalpus phoenicis only after the population has increased to very high numbers and severe crop damage has already been done.