Bumps on new hawthorn leaves

[Kayleigh]

Can anyone tell me what these bumps are I noticed today..
Are they insects inside them or what is going on..
I googled hawthorn galls but they look different maybe its because mine are small yet..



Thanks for your help..

Elaine

[poschiavanus]

They are galls, probably Phyllocoptes goniothorax which more usually causes the leaf edge to roll over. This is the commonest one: I don't remember seeing Aceria crataegi so prominent this early.

I must confess it always takes me a week or two to get my eye in for the latter. goniothorax is very obvious round here. These are fairly typical of mite galls, appearing very soon after the leaf bud has burst.

[Kayleigh]

Thank you poschiavanus..
Hope they dont turn the leaves brown and unsightly.

[aeshna5]

If there is anyone fascinated by galls there is a new New Naturalist book on galls about to come out very soon which should be fascinating.

[Deb London]

Definitely one for my book list. I've been pondering over Kayleigh's picture for ages.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Definitely one for my book list. I've been pondering over Kayleigh's picture for ages.

I will look out for the book and will get some more pics as things progress..

[poschiavanus]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

If there is anyone fascinated by galls there is a new New Naturalist book on galls about to come out very soon which should be fascinating.

I've seen a proof copy, but didn't look in any detail : I know I'll buy it. It looks a good chunky read.

Also appearing soon will be an updated version of the FSC Plant Gall Key. This is significant because there have been many new galls found since the first addition, as well as the usual taxonomic chopping and changing. All types of galls (fungal, insect, nematode) have been brought together under their host plants. The illustrations and keys have also been added to and improved. so all in all it should be easier to use.

Lastly the effect on the leaves of Elaine's (Kayleigh) hawthorn is not very obvious: these are galls which people don't normally notice until pointed out to them.

[Kayleigh]

I took some more pics today and they look sort of deflated with pinprick holes in the middle..
Just going through them there might be one or two worth uploading but some are very blurred due to camera shake..

[Kayleigh]