Which of the following is NOT listed as a major host for spruce spider mites?

Which of the following is NOT listed as a major host for spruce spider mites?

• A. Maple
• B. Spruce
• C. Hemlock
• D. Arborvitae

Answer: (A)

Maple is not a major host because spruce spider mites specialize in feeding on the needles of evergreen conifers, where they commonly occur on species like spruce, hemlock, and arborvitae. These plants provide the needle structure and environment these mites prefer, leading to frequent infestations on them. Maples are broadleaf and deciduous, and they are not typically attacked by spruce spider mites, so they’re not listed as a major host. In other words, the mites readily colonize the conifers mentioned, but maples do not fit the usual host pattern.

Maple is not a major host because spruce spider mites specialize in feeding on the needles of evergreen conifers, where they commonly occur on species like spruce, hemlock, and arborvitae. These plants provide the needle structure and environment these mites prefer, leading to frequent infestations on them. Maples are broadleaf and deciduous, and they are not typically attacked by spruce spider mites, so they’re not listed as a major host. In other words, the mites readily colonize the conifers mentioned, but maples do not fit the usual host pattern.