Eriophyes laevis

Alternative names
Eriophyes inangulis
Description

The mite Eriophyes laevis causes galls to form on the leaves of Alder (Alnus glutinosa). The galls start off shiny yellow, becoming green then red, purplish or brown. They are scattered over the leaf, often numerous, and with a small opening below. The gall is seen more often than the mite.

Similar Species

Aceria nalepai also causes galls on alder leaves, but in the axils of midrib/veins.  However, indeterminate examples can be found, and combinations of the galls are common.  

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult

Recording advice

State host, and provide a photo

Habitat

On Alder

When to see it

The gall can be seen at any time that Alder is in leaf, best time is around August and September.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Mites, Ticks & Pseudoscorpions
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Trombidiformes
Family:
Eriophyidae
Records on NatureSpot:
66
First record:
15/06/2013 (Woodward, Steve)
Last record:
21/10/2024 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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