Eriophyoid-mite
Guides
Acalitus
Acalitus is a genus of microscopic eriophyoid mites in the family Eriophyidae. Species within this genus are cosmopolitan plant parasites that induce gall formation on various host plants. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including Acalitus essigi and Acalitus vaccinii, which affect berry crops, and Acalitus phloeocoptes, which damages stone fruit trees. The genus exhibits narrow host specificity, with individual species typically restricted to particular plant genera or families.
Acalitus phloeocoptes
Apricot bud gall mite, Plum bud gall mite, Almond and plum bud gall mite
Acalitus phloeocoptes is a destructive eriophyoid mite pest that causes bud gall formation on Prunus species, particularly apricot (Prunus armeniaca). The mite manipulates host plant hormones to induce gall development: cytokinin (zeatin) and auxin (IAA) drive rapid bud proliferation, abscisic acid (ABA) controls gall maturity, and reduced gibberellic acid (GA3) triggers lignification. Infestation results in delayed flowering, deformed foliage, poor fruit quality, stunted growth, and potential tree death. The species has four generations annually in studied populations, with overwintering occurring as adult females in galls, bark crevices, branches, and soil up to 3 cm deep.
Aculops cannabicola
hemp russet mite, HRM
Aculops cannabicola, the hemp russet mite, is a highly specialized eriophyoid mite and among the most serious pests of Cannabis sativa. First described from Hungary in 1960, it has since been detected across multiple continents including North America, Central Asia, and Europe, with its first Italian record in 2021. The mite causes distinctive rust-colored damage to leaves, curling of leaf edges, and russeting, and can reduce flower and seed production by 50-90%. It feeds on all plant parts including leaves, petioles, inflorescences of both sexes, and glandular trichomes, drastically reducing resin production. Control is notoriously difficult; the mite persists year-round in dry, warm habitats and complete eradication typically requires destroying all plants and sterilizing surfaces.
Flexamia huroni
Huron River Leafhopper
Flexamia huroni is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, described by Bess & Hamilton in 1999. It belongs to the genus Flexamia, a group of leafhoppers known for their specialized host plant associations with grasses. The species is named after the Huron River in Michigan, where it was first collected. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits strong ecological dependence on specific grass host plants.
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Trisetacus is a genus of eriophyoid mites (Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae, historically placed in Nalepellidae) that are obligate parasites of coniferous trees. Species within this genus exhibit strong host specificity, primarily infesting members of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: some inhabit needle sheaths, others infest foliage, buds, or seeds. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed a deep dichotomy within Trisetacus, with two major lineages distinguished by female genital morphology and host associations—one lineage associated with Pinaceae and another with Cupressaceae. Several species are significant forest pests, causing damage ranging from needle chlorosis and twisting to complete destruction of seed crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with 22 species recognized from North America alone.