Eriophyes cerasicrumena

Eriophyes cerasicrumena
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Family:	Eriophyidae
Genus:	Eriophyes
Species:	E. cerasicrumena
Binomial name
Eriophyes cerasicrumena (Walsh, 1867)
Synonyms
Phytoptus cerasicrumena

Eriophyes cerasicrumena, the black cherry leaf gall mite, is a species of gall mite in the family Eriophyidae. This species was formerly a member of the genus Phytoptus . They produce galls on black cherry plants. Caterpillars of cherry gall azure feed on these galls, and apparently also on the mites themselves. ^[1]

Description

Eriophyes cerasicrumena is a small mite that can only be described in detail through microscope work. ^[2] The mites are vermiform and yellowish with palmate, five-rayed feather claws. Hysterosomas are covered in ventrally round and dorsally elongated microtubules. Overwintering females lack microtubules dorsally.

The galls produced by E. cerasicrumena are easily distinguishable from other gall mite species in form and choice of host plant. The elongated, spindle-shaped, pouchtype galls form on the upper surface of the leaves. Galls form to be about 4-8 mm long with a pointed tip and slender stock. While they form solitary, they tend to clump, especially around the midvein. The interior is yellowish green to brown to reddish. ^[3]

References

1. "Eriophyes cerasicrumena species Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
2. "Minnesota Seasons - black cherry finger gall mite". www.minnesotaseasons.com. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
3. Keifer, Hartford H. (1982). An Illustrated Guide to Plant Abnormalities Caused by Eriophyid Mites in North America. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.