Meyer Lemon Leaf Curl and Webbing: Mites, Leafrollers, or Thrips?

Leaves that web, curl, and drop on a ground-planted Meyer lemon in Houston suggest either Texas citrus mite (winter pest) or leafroller caterpillars. Mites cause bronzing and fine webbing; leafrollers physically roll leaves with silk.

How to Distinguish

• Texas citrus mite: Tiny, hard to see. Leaves stipple, bronze, drop. Populations peak in winter; natural predators control them in spring.
• Leafrollers: Caterpillars inside rolled leaves. Visible if you unroll leaves. Unlikely in winter.
• Thrips/aphids: Cause curling/deformation. Check leaf undersides.

Recommended Action

1. Contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for local pest ID and spray timing.
2. If mites: spray horticultural oil or neem oil on leaf undersides.
3. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficials.

Resource

Find your county extension office: texasextension.tamu.edu