Eriophyid Mites
(Family Eriophydae)
Eriophyid mites are minute, microscopic mites that feed on plants. They are elongate in form, often somewhat carrot-shapped, and are unique among mites in having only two legs.
Hosts
Lifecycle
Eriophyid mites usually overwinter as fertile females that hide under bud scales or other protected sites on their hosts. Slightly different forms involving both sexes are present during the growing season with several overlapping generations present.
Controls
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Horticultural oil
Treat with horticultural oil as the first buds break in the spring. Dormant bud oil sprays may not be particularly effective. If eriophyid mite feeding has been heavy (>50% of leaves damaged), you might consider a second horticultural oil or insecticidal soap application when the first leaves begin to expand. Most woody species in Missoula have shown no detrimental effects from heavy eriophyid mite infestation during a five year monitoring period.
