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Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

Hibiscus mite (266)

Photo 1. Galls of the Hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci, mostly at the edges of the leaves.

Photo 2. Galls of hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci, at the margins and also in the middle of the leaf.

Photo 3. More severe deformation of leaves caused by the Hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci.

Photo 4. Galls of hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci; note that the galls are mostly at the margins of the leaves and on the petioles, and they are in small groups.

Photo 5. Severe distortion of leaves by the Hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci. Numerous small hairs can be seen on the deformed leaves at the centre of the photo.

Photo 6. Hibiscus bud deformed by hibiscus mite, Eriophyes hibisci.

Summary

Distribution not well known. Caribbean, Brazil, Oceania. On ornamental Hibiscus and okra. A major pest affecting appearance.
Mites live in the buds where feeding stimulates bumpy light green galls on leaves, petioles and young stems. Gall surface has felt-like hairs.
Spread in wind, on cuttings, birds and insects.
Natural enemies: predatory mites.
Cultural control: healthy cuttings; prune mite-affected parts; tolerant varieties.
Chemical control: PDPs: garlic or derris; or sulphur, white oil, or abamectin. Note predatory mites will be killed by application of pesticides.

Common Name

Hibiscus mite, hibiscus erineum mite, hibiscus leaf-crumpling mite. The word "erineum" is a botanical term meaning tuft of hairs. This describes the felt-like appearance of the galls.

Scientific Name

Eriophyes hibisci. Some accounts place the mite in the genus Aceria.

AUTHOR Grahame Jackson
Information from Hara A, Tsuda D, Tavares J, Yogi J, Hensley D (2001) Hibiscus erineum mite. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa. Photos 1-3 Richard Markham, ACIAR, Canberra. Photos 4-6 Frank Visser, Key Industries, New Zealand.

Produced with support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research under project PC/2010/090: Strengthening integrated crop management research in the Pacific Islands in support of sustainable intensification of high-value crop production, implemented by the University of Queensland and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

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