Presumably, the gall mite Aculops gleditsiae is endemic to Eastern North America and has already been found in Germany and other EU-Member States and partly, it is already wide spread (Italy, Hungary). So far, it is not listed in the Annexes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 or by EPPO.

Aculops gleditsiae is monophagous and infests three-thorned acacia (Gleditsia triacanthos).

Due to suitable climatic conditions, it is likely that A. gleditsiae can establish outdoors in warmer parts of Germany if host plants are available, further establishment in warmer EU member states is also possible.

In case of severe infestation, A. gleditsiae can cause significant damage to its host plants; since three-thorned acacias are ornamentals, the damage is of aesthetic nature. In Germany, three-thorned acacias are of minor importance, in southern EUMember States they are planted as park and roadside trees and are at least partially classified as invasive.

Due to the limited damage potential, Aculops gleditsiae is not classified as quarantine pest and hence, Article 29 VO (EU) 2016/2031 does not apply