Crimson erineum mite

Latin name: Aceria elongatus (Hodgkiss)
French name: Phytopte veloutant de l'érable
Order: Acari
Family: Eriophyidae
Synonym(s): Aceria regulus (Hodge),
Eriophyes elongatus Hodgkiss

Description

Distribution

Quebec, Ontario

Micro-habitat(s)

Leaf

Damage, symptoms and biology

Crimson erineum mite, a microscopic mite measuring approximately 0.15 mm, punctures the leaf tissue, causing velvety patches to appear on the surface of the leaves. The patches, called erinea, range in colour from pale green to crimson. They are composed of numerous hypertrophic leaf hairs that resemble blisterlike galls and are caused by the feeding of the mites.

In heavy infestations, the upper leaf surface can be completely covered with these patches. The leaves then tend to become distorted and dry out, causing them to drop prematurely. However, the crimson erineum mite does not cause a loss of tree vigour since it is rare for all leaves to be infested.

The activity of the mites begins early in the spring when the adults feed on the developing leaves. The female deposits her eggs and the young nymphs also feed on the leaves. There is usually more than one generation per year, with the generations overlapping.

In July, the mites leave the galls upon completion of their development. Adults overwinter in bark crevices, on twigs or near buds.

Life cycle (East of the Rockies)

Life cycle (East of the Rockies)
Stage/Month	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Egg
Nymph
Adult

Other information

Native to North America, the crimson erineum mite occurs in the eastern United States and Canada.

Populations vary dramatically from year to year and although the aesthetic value of ornamental trees may be affected, control measures are unnecessary.

Canadian Forest Service Publications

Crimson erineum mite

Diet and feeding behaviour

Sap-feeding : Feeds on plant sap.
- Piercing-sucking: Has specialized mouthparts for sucking the fluids from plants, thereby causing deformities or killing the affected plant sections.
: Feeds on plant sap.
- Gall-forming: Induces the formation of galls and feeds on their tissues.

Information on host(s)