Maple-pest
Guides
Aceria aceris
maple gall mite, maple erineum mite
Aceria aceris is a gall-forming eriophyid mite that infests maple species (Acer), producing distinctive erineum galls on leaf surfaces. The mite has a worm-like, elongated body with four legs and annular ridges typical of the superfamily Eriophyoidea. It is one of numerous Aceria species specialized on maple hosts, with populations often associated with specific maple species or varieties.
Aceria elongata
Crimson Erineum Mite
Aceria elongata, commonly known as the crimson erineum mite, is an eriophyid mite that induces distinctive erineum galls on the upper leaf surfaces of sugar maple (Acer saccharum). The galls progress from pale greenish patches to rich red-purple coloration as the season advances. This microscopic, worm-like mite has two alternating generations per year and is known from the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. At high densities, it can cause leaf distortion and premature leaf drop, though damage is generally not severe enough to require control measures.
Aleurochiton forbesii
Maple whitefly
Aleurochiton forbesii is a whitefly species native to eastern North America that specializes on maple trees (Acer spp.) as its primary host. The species produces two broods annually, with distinctive seasonal differences in puparial appearance. Unlike its European congener Aleurochiton aceris, it rarely reaches population densities that cause significant host damage. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Amitus aleurodinis.
Cameraria aceriella
maple leafblotch miner
Cameraria aceriella, the maple leafblotch miner, is a small moth in the family Gracillariidae. It is a leaf-mining species whose larvae create distinctive blotches on maple leaves. The species was first described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1859 and is primarily found in northeastern North America.
Caulocampus acericaulis
Maple Petiole-borer Sawfly
Caulocampus acericaulis, commonly known as the Maple Petiole-borer Sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. It is associated with maple trees (Acer species), where larvae bore into leaf petioles causing characteristic damage. The species is found in eastern North America.
Drepanaphis
Painted maple aphids
Drepanaphis is a Nearctic genus of aphids comprising 18 species, all native to North America. These insects are narrow oligophages primarily associated with maple trees (Acer spp.), with one species (D. monelli) recorded on buckeye. The genus is characterized by distinct dorsal abdominal tubercles, very long antennae, and reduced leg chaetotaxy. Drepanaphis acerifoliae, the painted maple aphid, has the broadest distribution and is the only species introduced to Europe. Unlike many aphids, Drepanaphis species do not form dense colonies and are not attended by ants.
Drepanosiphum platanoidis
sycamore aphid, maple aphid
Drepanosiphum platanoidis is a small aphid species specialized on maple and sycamore trees (Acer species). It is one of the most abundant aphids on sycamore in Europe and has been introduced to other regions including New Zealand. The species is notable for its distinctive winged morphs and its role in temperate forest ecosystems. It reproduces parthenogenetically through most of the year, with sexual forms appearing in autumn.
Periphyllus californiensis
California maple aphid, Japanese maple aphid
Periphyllus californiensis is an invasive aphid species native to East Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Russian Far East) that has established populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. It is a specialist feeder on maple trees (Acer spp.), with documented hosts including Acer palmatum, A. japonicum, A. amoenum, and numerous other maple species. The species exhibits complex phenological synchrony with host trees, producing distinct larval morphs—non-summer-diapause larvae on unexpanded leaves and summer-diapause (aestivating) dimorphs on expanded leaves—based on host plant nutritional quality rather than genetic generation. High mortality (>99.9%) of summer dimorphs has been observed, with survivors resuming activity in autumn. The species has been recorded in Poland since 2009 and spreads via ornamental maple trade.
Pulvinaria acericola
Cottony Maple Leaf Scale
Pulvinaria acericola, commonly known as the Cottony Maple Leaf Scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to North America. Like other Pulvinaria species, the adult female produces a conspicuous white, cottony ovisac that houses eggs. The species is associated with maple and other woody plants, where nymphs and adults feed on phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Heavy infestations can lead to honeydew accumulation and subsequent sooty mold growth.
Pulvinaria innumerabilis
Cottony Maple Scale
A soft scale insect (family Coccidae) commonly known as the cottony maple scale. Adult females are small, flattened, and brown, approximately 3 mm in length. Mature females produce conspicuous white, cottony ovisacs containing up to 1,500 eggs. The species is frequently found on maple trees, particularly silver maple (Acer saccharinum), but has been recorded on numerous other woody plants. Heavy infestations can cause aesthetic damage and minor physiological stress to host plants, though established trees typically tolerate infestations well.
Rhinocola aceris
Sycamore psyllid
Rhinocola aceris is a psyllid species in the family Aphalaridae, commonly known as the sycamore psyllid. It is associated with sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and related maple species. The species was originally described by Linnaeus in 1758 as Chermes aceris. Like other psyllids, it feeds on plant sap and can cause gall formation on host leaves.
Saperda lateralis
Red-edged Saperda
Saperda lateralis is a longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. It is broadly distributed across eastern North America, ranging from Canada through the eastern United States. The species is associated with several tree hosts, particularly maples, and is known to attack stressed or declining trees. A distinctive subspecies, S. lateralis rileyi, was described in 2010 from the lower Mississippi Delta region based on consistent morphological differences and partial geographic separation from nominate populations.
Synanthedon acerni
Maple Callus Borer, Maple Callus Borer Moth
Synanthedon acerni, the maple callus borer, is a clearwing moth in the family Sesiidae. Adults are active primarily during late spring and early summer, with flight periods varying by latitude. The species is associated with maple trees, where larvae develop as borers in host tissue.
Vasates quadripedes
Maple Bladdergall Mite, maple bladder-gall mite
Vasates quadripedes is an eriophyid mite known for inducing distinctive bladder-like galls on maple leaves. The species is native to North America and has been introduced to parts of Europe, including Britain where it was first recorded in 2002. It is associated primarily with silver maple, red maple, and sugar maple. The galls it produces are a reliable indicator of its presence and are more readily observed than the microscopic mites themselves.