What is a common symptom of spider mite damage?

Leaf discoloration is a hallmark symptom of spider mite damage, primarily manifesting as a stippling effect where tiny yellow or pale spots appear on the leaves. This occurs because spider mites feed on the plant's sap, extracting nutrients and disrupting normal leaf functions. The combined feeding activity of these pests can lead to overall yellowing of the leaves as the plant's chlorophyll production is hindered. As the damage progresses, the affected leaves may become more severely discolored and may eventually lead to leaf drop.

While other symptoms like wilting of flowers, brown spots on leaves, and drop of lower leaves can occur in various plant stress situations, they are not specifically indicative of spider mite damage. Wilting can be associated with water stress or disease, brown spots may point to fungal infections or leaf scorch, and drop of lower leaves can occur due to nutrient deficiencies or natural aging processes of the plant. Thus, leaf discoloration directly correlates with the feeding patterns of spider mites, making it the most relevant symptom for identifying their presence and impact on plants.