All stages of this species are active year-round, but activity is highest in South Florida during the dry season when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is lower. Adult females lay eggs (~37–58 per lifetime) between newly emerging leaflets of Old World climbing fern sporelings (newly germinated plants). Larvae, nymphs, and adults all feed by piercing and sucking cell contents. Feeding on leaflet edges causes leaflets to roll and form galls. Though leaf roll galls frequently contain multiple mites, a single adult female is capable of inducing a gall. Subsequent generations lay eggs and feed within the gall, which provides a humid environment safe from predators. Development times to adulthood are short (9–12 days), and the mites continuously feed and reproduce year-round. Mites move between plants and sites by walking or jumping. Jumping is accomplished by standing erect on the leaf surface, using their anal suckers, and somersaulting into the air. Once airborne, mites can disperse long distances to new Old World climbing fern infestations.