Aceria negundi

box elder pouch gall mite

Aceria negundi, commonly known as the box elder pouch gall mite, is an eriophyid mite that specializes on box elder (Acer negundo). This microscopic arachnid induces characteristic pouch galls on its plant. Like other members of the Eriophyidae, it has a worm-like body with four legs and is among the smallest plant-parasitic mites, measuring less than 0.2 mm in length. The has been observed across a broad geographic range with over 4,700 documented observations.

Aceria negundi by (c) Serenella Linares, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Serenella Linares. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aceria negundi: /əˈsɪəriə nɪˈɡʌndaɪ/

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Distribution

Documented observations indicate presence across North America where plant Acer negundo occurs. The iNaturalist database records 4,736 observations, suggesting established throughout the range of box elder.

Diet

Specialized of box elder (Acer negundo). Feeding induces pouch galls on plant tissues.

Host Associations

  • Acer negundo - obligate Induces pouch galls on leaves

Ecological Role

Forms pouch galls on box elder leaves through feeding activity. The ecological consequences of these galls on plant have not been quantified.

Human Relevance

The induced galls may affect ornamental value of box elder plantings. No economic impact on agriculture has been documented.

Similar Taxa

  • AceriaOther Aceria share the four-legged, worm-like body form and plant-parasitic habit. Identification to species level requires association and gall .
  • Other EriophyidaeAll eriophyid mites share the reduced leg count (four legs in ) and elongated, annulate body. specificity and gall type distinguish .

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