Maple Spindlegall Mite
Vasates aceriscrumena
This record describes Vasates aceriscrumena (species). Recorded family: Eriophyidae. Recorded order: Trombidiformes.
Identification and Appearance
See images here. Don't cause serious damage but can be unsightly
Identification notes
See images here.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Trombidiformes
- Suborder
- Prostigmata
- Superfamily
- Eriophyoidea
- Family
- Eriophyidae (Gall mites)
- Genus
- Vasates
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts are hard maples (red, sugar, Norway) and soft maples (silver).
Life History
Adult females overwinter and lay eggs on growing leaves
About Mites: the wider group
Order-level background for Trombidiformes, the group containing Vasates aceriscrumena. 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 Maple Spindlegall Mite (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Edward Ruden , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Spindlegall Mite
What is Maple Spindlegall Mite?
Maple Spindlegall Mite (Vasates aceriscrumena) is a species in the family Eriophyidae, within the order Trombidiformes.
How big is Maple Spindlegall Mite?
galls circa 2-4 mm Galls are slender fusiform or spindle-shaped on the upper surfaces of the leaves
How do you identify Maple Spindlegall Mite?
See images here.
What does Maple Spindlegall Mite eat?
The diet of the Maple Spindlegall Mite includes Hosts are hard maples (red, sugar, Norway) and soft maples (silver)..
What is the life cycle of a Maple Spindlegall Mite?
Adult females overwinter and lay eggs on growing leaves