Vermiform
Guides
Eriophyoidea
gall mites, four-legged mites, blister mites, bud mites, rust mites
Eriophyoidea is a superfamily of minute, worm-like mites comprising three families: Eriophyidae, Phytoptidae, and Diptilomiopidae. These mites are exclusively plant-feeding and represent one of the largest adaptive radiations of plant-parasitic arthropods, with conservative estimates of 100,000 living species. They are distinguished by possessing only two pairs of legs in all post-embryonic stages—a unique feature among mites—and by their elongated, annulate bodies. Many species are significant agricultural pests causing galls, leaf deformities, and transmitting plant diseases, while others cause no apparent damage to their hosts.