Aculus truncatus

Aculus truncatus is a species of mite which causes galls on the leaves of purple willow (Salix purpurea). It was first described by Alfred Nalepa in 1892.

Aculus truncatus
Gall on purple willow
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Family:	Eriophyidae
Genus:	Aculus
Species:	A. truncatus
Binomial name
Aculus truncatus (Nalepa, 1892)
Synonyms
Aceria truncata Vasates truncatus

Description

The gall is a short, 1–2 millimetres (0.039–0.079 in) narrow twisted, downward roll on the leaves of purple willow (S. purpurea). It is lined with red hairs and contains mites.^[1][2][3]

Similar looking galls have also been found on common osier (S. viminalis) and on sallows, which could also be A. truncatus. The mites should be identified by an expert.^[1]

A. truncatus has also been known to use Salix alba as a host.^[4]