In the present study, we developed a simple, sensitive and selective thin-layer chromatographic method for the detection and identification of amitraz using curcumin as chromogenic spray. In the first step, amitraz was hydrolized by using 10% sodium hydroxide solution in water to give dimethylaniline (DMA) and N-2,4-dimethylphenyl-N-methyl formamidine (DMPMF). DMA was further treated with sodium nitrite in acidic medium followed by spraying basic solution of curcumin to give brick red colored spot. This spray reagent does not react with other organophosphorous, organochloro, carbamate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides. This reagent is specific and selective only for amitraz. The constituents of viscera (amino acids, peptides and proteins) do not interfere with the test. The detection limit for amitraz is about 0.5 μg.