Coneflower Rosette Mite (Family Eriophyidae) on Echinacea sp.
The tuft growth on the disc of this coneflower is caused by a tiny eriophyid mite. These mites cause flower head distortion by feeding at the base of the flowers. Eriophyid mites are unique in that they only have 2 pairs of legs (most mites have 4 pairs), and they are so tiny that you would need 40x magnification to see them clearly (most mites can be seen with a 10x hand lens).
The mite has yet to be taxonomically categorized, so it has no scientific name. But, it's generally referred to as the Coneflower Rosette Mite based on the damage that it causes to coneflowers.
The chewed up petals were likely damaged by Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica).
Habitat: Garden
No species identified
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