Guide to insect and mite pests of tea (Camellia sinensis

This guide provides photographs and general informa-tion about insect and mite pests associated with tea in Hawai‘i. Details on pest identification, crop damage, crop hosts, pest life cycle, and pest distribution are given. Accurate identification of the pest is essential for mak-ing sound pest management decisions. Early detection is often critical to eventual success in managing pests and reducing economic losses. The pests were selected based on surveys of tea plants growing at the UH-CTAHR Mealani Research Station at 2800 feet elevation in Waimea on Hawai‘i. In addition, pests were collected from cooperating growers in other locations on Hawai‘i. Pest samples were identified by the UH-CTAHR Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC). If you suspect pest problems but cannot determine the cause, we suggest that you submit plant samples to the ADSC for identification. The samples may be taken to the nearest UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service office