Aceria cephalonea
Sycamore Gall Mite
Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. One of several similar galls found on Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus leaves, caused by tiny parasitic mites. Aceria cephalonea galls are about 3mm high, with rounded tops, on the upper surface of the leaf, in groups. Greenish at first, turning dark red on maturity. They are lost from the tree at leaf fall.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. Galls on upper surface of Sycamore leaf, Acer pseudoplatanus. Collected from disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. August.
Slide 2: Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. Mature, red galls on upper surface of Sycamore leaf, Acer pseudoplatanus, Collected from disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. August.
Slide 3: Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. Side view of gall on Sycamore leaf, Acer pseudoplatanus, Collected from disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. August.
Slide 4: Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. Section through gall and Sycamore leaf, Acer pseudoplatanus, Collected from disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. August.
Slide 5: Aceria cephalonea, Sycamore Gall Mite. Galls on upper surface of Sycamore leaf, Acer pseudoplatanus. Disused railway. Hargill, Redmire. August.