Leaf Damage from Spider Mites (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption A normal leaf (left) compared with a leaf (right) attacked by two-spotted spider mites, a major crop and houseplant pest worldwide. The pest’s newly decoded genetic blueprint reveals an ensemble of genes that allow it to disarm plants' chemical defenses and detoxify pesticides – major reasons the mites can eat more than 1,100 plant species. Credit Richard Clark, University of Utah Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.