Phytoptus tetratrichus

Gall mite Phytoptus tetratrichus

Description

This species of mite causes deformation of the leaf edge. Small part of leaf is deformed, sometimes the whole margin of the leaves is rolled. Inside the fold live mites that are so small that they cannot be seen withouth microscope. The roll on the margin of the leaf can be from 1 to 2 mm wide. Phytoptus tetratrichus is abundant species on different lime species however, it makes different galls regarding the host tree species. Phytoptus tetratrichus is responsible for inducing specific leaf deformations in different Tilia species. In Tilia cordata and cordata x americana, it causes the formation of narrow rolls along the leaf margin. Additionally, small felt coatings appear on the upper surface of the leaf, while small round bubbles develop on the underside of the leaf in Tilia tomentosa. On the other hand, irregular finger-like galls are observed on both sides of the leaf in Tilia americana.

Symptom

Small part of leaf, sometimes the whole margin of the leaves is rolled in case of T. cordata is infected. Small round galls at the underside and felt coatings appear on the upper surface of the leaf in T. tomentosa and irregular, finger-like galls on the leaf in T. americana are formed.

Tree Species: Lime

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Mites

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Seasonal frequency of occurrence