North American gall-inducing mite
Aceria baccharices, also known as the mulefat leaf-blister mite and formerly known as Eriophyes baccharices, is a species of arachnid native to North America that induces galls on two California willows, Baccharis salicifolia and Baccharis glutinosa.[1][2] This mite was first described to science by Hartford H. Keifer in 1945.[3] According to Keifer, "the type host is the long-leaf type Baccharis which is common to dry washes in northern California. The other host is the same sort of thing but confined to the south."[3] These galls, which look like warty protrusions from the surface of the leaf, are nurseries for the next generation of mites.[2] The adults eventually leave the leaf via anterior exit holes that may be visible.[2]
Aceria baccharices should not confused with Aceria baccharipha, the Baccharis leaf blister mite.[4]
References
.png){kind=small}