Aceria mackiei
This record describes Aceria mackiei (species). Recorded family: Eriophyidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
Creates 2-4+ mm pockets (indentations) on underside of oak leaves with hairs that may be rusty brown, white, pink, or red. The pockets appear as bumps on the dorsal side of the leaves. Eriophyes mackiei is possibly the only oak-galling species that occurs on both black and golden oaks.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Eriophyoidea
- Family
- Eriophyidae (Gall mites)
- Genus
- Aceria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from California.
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Aceria mackiei. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Trombidiformes includes ~26,000 described species of mites including velvet mites, chiggers, and spider mites. Spider mites (Tetranychidae) are among the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide.
Ecological role of the group
Velvet mites are important soil predators. Chigger larvae are parasitic on vertebrates and can cause intense itching (trombidiosis). Some mite species are used as biological control agents against pest mites in agriculture.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Spider mites cause billions of dollars in crop damage globally, affecting over 1,100 plant species. The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) has developed resistance to more pesticides than any other arthropod.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, agricultural pest management research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aceria mackiei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Aceria mackiei
What is Aceria mackiei?
Aceria mackiei is a species in the family Eriophyidae, within the order Trombidiformes.
How do you identify Aceria mackiei?
Creates 2-4+ mm pockets (indentations) on underside of oak leaves with hairs that may be rusty brown, white, pink, or red. The pockets appear as bumps on the dorsal side of the leaves. Eriophyes mackiei is possibly the only oak-galling species that occurs on both black and golden oaks.
Where is Aceria mackiei found?
Range: Known only from California.