Maple-Crimson Velvet Erineum Galls

Description:

Crimson color and a velvet look and texture these galls are formed mostly on the edges of maple leaves by the tiny Eriphyes calaceris mite. Overwintering female eriophyid mites survive in bark crevices of the host tree. In the spring, they move to the leaves, where they induce production of the galls with their saliva. The mites live and reproduce within the galls through the summer.

Habitat:

Spotted on maple leaves along the Early Winters Creek near Mazama, WA.

Notes:

These galls do little damage to well established trees (as is the case with most galls), although individual leaves that are overwhelmed with galls may lose their ability to help to contribute in the process of photosynthesis.