Ailanthus-altissima

Guides

• Aculops ailanthii

  Ailanthus leafcurl mite

  Aculops ailanthii, commonly known as the Ailanthus leafcurl mite, is an eriophyid mite that infests Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven). This species produces subtle leaf symptoms—undercurled, wrinkled, and glossier foliage—rather than the conspicuous galls typical of many eriophyid mites. The mites themselves are tiny, whitish, and difficult to locate on leaf undersides. The species has been proposed as a potential biocontrol agent against invasive Ailanthus populations in North America, though it remains poorly studied.

  eriophyid-mitebiocontrolinvasive-species-managementAilanthus-altissimaleaf-curlingmite-pestacarologyProstigmataEriophyidaeAculops