Phyllocoptes eupadi

Phyllocoptes eupadi[1][3] is a mite that chemically induces a pouch gall to develop as a sub-spherical distortion rising up from the upper surface of the lamina of leaves of blackthorn shrubs Prunus spinosa and other Prunus spp.[4] Synonyms are Eriophyes padi (Nalepa) and Phytoptus padi prunianus (Nalepa 1890).[1][5]

Phyllocoptes eupadi
Mature galls on upper surface of blackthorn leaf
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Subclass: Acari
Order: Trombidiformes
Family: Eriophyidae
Genus: Phyllocoptes
Species:
P. eupadi
Binomial name
Phyllocoptes eupadi
Newkirk, 1984[1][2]

Description

The gall's appearance on the upper surface is sub-spherical pustules, hairy and opening below,[6] often clustering along the midrib,[4] but also found over the whole leaf lamina surface and may vary in colour from pale yellow-green to deep red. The adult mite lives on sap, sucked from the cell tissues. The leaf surface can be so densely covered with galls that it becomes deformed and wrinkled.[7]

Distribution

The species is found in Denmark[1] as well as in England and Scotland.[8]

  • The lower epidermis of a Blackthorn leaf with P. eupadi galls.
  • P.eupadi on a Bird Cherry leaf.

References
Notes
  1. Danish Nature Retrieved 2012-12-9]
  2. European Environment Agency Retrieved : 2012-12-09
  3. Fauna Europaea Retrieved : 2012-12-09
  4. Redfern, Page 395
  5. Hancy, Page 97
  6. Stubbs, Page 42
  7. Plant Galls Archived 2013-10-29 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved : 2012-12-9
  8. NBN Gateway Retrieved : 2012-12-09
Sources
  1. Hancy, Rex (2000). The Study of Plant Galls in Norfolk. The Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Trust.
  2. Redfern M. and Shirley P. (2002). British Plant Galls. FSC Publications. ISBN 1-85153-214-5.
  3. Stubbs, F.B. ed. (1986). Provisional Keys to British Plant Galls. British Plant Gall Society. ISBN 0-9511582-0-1.
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