Aceria ilicis is a species of mite that causes growths, known as galls, on the leaves of holm oak (Quercus ilex). It was first described by the Italian naturalist and biologist, Giovanni Canestrini in 1890. It is found in Europe and Turkey.
Description of the gall
Aceria ilicis causes felt-like galls (erinea), which are a patch of glandular hairs, caused by gall mites of the family Eriophyoidea. The bulge is 2–3 mm high on the upperside of the leaf of holm oak (also known as evergreen oak) and the depression below is several mm wide; there are usually several on a leaf. Mites live within the dense mass of tangled hairs. Occasionally the bulge is on the lower side and depression on the upperside. [2][3]
Inquilines
It is uncertain, but Aceria trichophila could be an inquiline of Aceria ilicis.[4]
Distribution
Found in the following countries in Europe; Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (England) Also found in Turkey (Asia).[5][6]
Gallery
References
- ^ "Open Tree taxonomy: Aceria ilicis". Open Tree of Life. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ Redfern, Margaret; Shirley, Peter; Boxham, Michael (2023). British Plant Galls (Third ed.). Shrewsbury: Field Study Council. p. 251. ISBN 978-1-908819-81-9.
- ^ Ellis, W N. "Aceria ilicis (Canestrini, 1890) on Quercus". Plant Parasites of Europe. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ Ellis, W N. "Aceria trichophila Keifer, 1955 on Quercus". Plant Parasites of Europe. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Aceria ilicis (Canestrini, 1890)". Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Holm Oak Felt Gall Mite (Aceria ilicis)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 21 February 2025.