Oak Leaf Phylloxera

Phylloxera glabra fundatrices (over-wintering females) feeding on oak leaves in spring cause the leaf edges to curl inwards and become slightly thickened, causing a gall. Feeding by later generations causes necrotic spots on the leaves. The yellowish orange adult apterae feed on the undersides of the leaves. The Phylloxera glabra adult body length is only 0.7 to 0.85 mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Phylloxera glabra lives without host alternation on oak leaves (mainly Pedunculate Oak - Quercus robur ). Female Phylloxera glabra surround themselves with concentric circles of their eggs. Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.