Description of the mite
Calepitrimerus vitis is a microscopic mite which measures approximately 0.2 mm.
- The adult (Figures 1 and 2) has an elongated, conical body with a transversely ringed abdomen. It has 2 pairs of legs located at the front. The mouthparts are tiny stylets contained within a mouth cone. Females are whitish in winter and brownish-yellow in summer.
- The eggs measuring 0.04 mm in diameter are spherical and white. They are laid in isolation on the underside of the leaf. The incubation period is between 8 and 10 days depending on climatic conditions.
- There are 4 larval stages which separate the egg and the adult, of which 2 mobile stages and 2 immobile stages. Depending on the climate, it can occur from 2 to 4 generations / year.