Eriophyes tiliae

The gall mite, Eriophyes tiliae, causes nail galls (tubular growths up to 5 mm long) to develop on the upper surface of Lime tree leaves, usually on Common Lime. The galls are far easier to see than the mites.

Anywhere that the host trees grow

During late spring and summer.

The mites move onto the foliage in the spring, having overwintered in the bark crevices or around buds. As the mites suck sap from the leaf surface the chemicals released cause the galls to develop. The galls are usually red but may vary from yellow through pink.

Very common and widespread in Britain where the host trees grow.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.