How do mites damage leaves?

Mites damage leaves primarily by sucking sap from them. This feeding behavior involves piercing the leaf tissue with their mouthparts and extracting the cellular fluids that are crucial for the plant's health. As they remove sap, they cause a variety of physiological effects on the plant, including wilting, discoloration, and, in severe cases, leaf drop. This damage can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to diseases and other pests.

While other options describe potential ways that different pests might damage plants, in the case of mites, sap-sucking is the most characteristic and damaging method of feeding.