Leaf-curling
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.
Phonognathidae
Leaf-curling Orbweavers
Phonognathidae is a family of orb-weaving spiders resurrected at family rank in 2018 based on phylogenomic analysis. The family was originally described by Simon in 1894 but had been treated as a synonym of Araneidae. It is now classified within the clade Orbipurae alongside Araneidae and Nephilidae. Members are commonly known as leaf-curling orbweavers and are distinguished by their habit of constructing retreats within curled leaves.