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Aceria heteronyx

Maple bark gall mite

Description

Aceria heteronyx, commonly known as the maple bark gall mite, is a tiny eriophyid mite that infests various Acer species, including Acer campestre (field maple), Acer platanoides (Norway maple), Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore), and Acer saccharinum (silver maple). This mite is primarily distributed across Europe, where it creates distinctive galls on the bark of its host trees. While the mite's activity does not typically harm the tree's overall health, heavy infestations can cause minor structural damage to the bark and may reduce the ornamental value of the tree in landscaped areas – gardens and parks.

Symptom

Galls appear as small, round, raised swellings on the bark of trees. They can vary in color from green to reddish-brown (with dark brown being predominant) and have a rough texture.

Tree Species: Maple

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Branch

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Mites

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes