| Eriophyes | |
|---|---|
| |
| Lime nail galls caused by Eriophyes tiliae | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Family: | Eriophyidae |
| Genus: | Eriophyes von Siebold, 1851 |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
Eriophyes is a genus of mite that forms galls, specially on trees of the family Rosaceae. Some are called blister mites. The blue butterfly Celastrina serotina has been reported to feed on these galls and also on the mites, making it one of the uncommon carnivorous Lepidoptera.[1]
Whereas other mites have four paired legs, Eriophyes have only two.[2] They feed by piercing plant cells to access the nutritious juices inside. While their saliva is known for creating recognizable, colorful galls, it Eriophyes infestation can also create other symptoms like brittleness or irregular blisters.[2]
- ^ Celastrina serotina (Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae): a New Butterfly Species from the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada.
- ^ a b "Gall (Eriophyid) Mites" (PDF). US Forest Service. 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2024.