Pest profile

Fuchsia Gall Mite

Aculops fuchsiae · Sarcoptiformes: Eriophyidae[3]

Fuchsia gall mites are microscopic mites that make fuchsia tips, leaves and flowers distorted, twisted and blistered; they're mainly a problem where summers are cool.[1][2]

Fuchsia shoot tips swollen, twisted and reddened by fuchsia gall mites
Fuchsia shoot tips swollen, twisted and reddened by fuchsia gall mites. (c) Sean Hartnett, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • The mites are pale yellowish, carrot-shaped or wormlike and about 1/100 inch long, too small to see without magnification.[2][1]
  • Damage is the usual clue: thickened, twisted, blistered and reddened leaves and tips, and fewer flowers.[1][2]
  • It's the only eriophyid mite known to damage fuchsias.[2]

Where it lives

It's mainly a problem in cool coastal areas, such as coastal California, and on fuchsias grown indoors.[1][2]

US map: public records from 3 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Mites live and breed inside galled tissue, then move up to attack new growth and flowers.[2][1]

Each female lays about 50 eggs, and a generation takes about three weeks; there are several a year.[2]

They spread on wind, pollinating insects and birds, and on infested plants, clothing, hands and tools.[1][2]

Damage and signs

  • Feeding distorts and thickens leaves and shoot tips, reduces flowering and, when mites are abundant, can stop new growth.[2]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; the PNW Insect Management Handbook and UC IPM mention no risk to people.[1][2]

Control

Prevention

Grow resistant fuchsias, since cultivars differ widely, and get plants from a quality supplier rather than swapping cuttings.[1][2]

Sanitation

Prune off and destroy infested parts away from other plants, and don't compost them.[2][1]

Wash hands, change clothes and clean tools with alcohol after handling infested plants.[2][1]

Biological control

Predatory mites, especially Neoseiulus californicus, help, but biological control isn't satisfactory on the most susceptible cultivars.[1][2]

Pesticides

After pruning, UC IPM suggests horticultural oil or insecticidal soap at intervals such as 2 to 3 weeks apart.[2]

Common questions

Why are my fuchsia's new leaves twisted and blistered?
Fuchsia gall mites are the likely cause; the mites themselves are microscopic.[1][2]
How do I keep fuchsia gall mite from spreading?
Isolate infested plants, prune off damage, and wash hands and clean tools after handling them.[2]

Sources

  1. Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (OSU, WSU, University of Idaho), “Fuchsia (Fuchsia): Fuchsia gall mite (Insect Management Handbook).” pnwhandbooks.org/insect/hort/landscape/hosts-pests-landscape-plants/fuchsia-fuchsia-fuchsia-gall-mite (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. University of California Statewide IPM Program, “Fuchsia Gall Mite (Pest Notes).” ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/fuchsia-gall-mite/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. iNaturalist, “Aculops fuchsiae taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/700942 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.