Eriophyes homophyllus

The gall mite Eriophyes homophyllus produces rounded hairy galls on Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and Plums/Damsons/Bullace etc. (Prunus domestica). The galls are found mainly along the midrib on the leaf upperside.  There is small hairy opening o nthe leaf underside.   The galls are often flushed pink.

Eriophyes similis on blackthorn, plums and damsons; and Phyllocoptes eupadi on bird-cherry

Gall Adult

State host, and provide photo

Blackthorn and Plum/Damson; hedgerows, plantations, scrub

Status is difficult to determine as the species is poorly recorded in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

The taxonomy of gall mites on Blackthorn and Plums is confusing and uncertain.  Similar galls on these hosts are chiefly along leaf margins and underside of the leaf, and have been named Eriophyes similis. Redfern & Shirley (2023) advise that the mites need to be identified by an expert.  This is not currently feasible. 

See Roskam, J.C. & Carbonnelle, S. (2023) Plant galls of  the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. KNNV. and Heal, J (2020) Eriophyes homophyllus (Nalepa) (Eriophyidae) on Prunus spinosa in Britain?  Cecidology 35(2) 38-42