Eriophyid mites (Eriophyidae) are a family of about 200 genera of arachnids, which live as plant parasites, commonly causing galls or other damage to the plant tissues. About 3,600 species have been described, but this is probably less than 10% of the actual number existing in this poorly-researched family. They are tiny, microscopic mites and are yellow to pinkish white to purplish in color. The mites are worm like, and have only two pairs of legs. Their primary method of population spread is by wind. They affect a wide range of plants, and several are major pest species causing substantial economic damage to crops.

Selected important species

• Eriophyes guerreronis - causes mandari disease of coconuts

References

• Digital museum of Nature: Classification of Eriophyoid Mites

Acari | Plant diseases