Red Nail Gall Mite Eriophyes tiliae

Species Information
Gall height 8-15 mm. The gall mite Eriophyes tiliae causes red nail-like galls to form on the upper surface of the leaves of Large-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos) and the hybrid Common Lime (Tilia x europaea). They often occur in large numbers. On the underside of the leaf are holes fringed with pale hairs which allow the mites to escape in the autumn. The mites move onto the foliage in the spring, having overwintered in the bark crevices or around buds.

Seen from June onwards. Found where the host tree grows. Common and widespread in Britain.

Classification

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Genus: Aceria
Species:

Arachnida (Arachnids)
Acari (Mites & Ticks)
Acariformes
Trombidiformes (Trombid Mites)
Prostigmata (Prostigmatid Mites)
Eupodides (Eupodid Mites)
Eriophyoidea (Eriophyoid Mites)
Eriophyidae (Gall Mites)
Eriophyes
Eriophyes tiliae (Pagenstecher, 1857)

Photographs

June 2021. Local park, South Staffordshire
June 2021. Local park, South Staffordshire
June 2021. Local park, South Staffordshire
June 2021. Local park, South Staffordshire

All photographs copyright © Peter Hillman
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