Tiny bugs on Japanese maple

[southsoundtree]

I got some brief description from a customer and some pictures that are a bit fuzzy.

She has a tall laceleaf maple that seems to both have some shriveling leaves, and either leaf loss, or dieback and leaf loss. She spotted a bunch of bugs that are about the size of the head of a pin.

Don't know anything more yet, until Friday. Anybody seen anything like these symptoms on a japanese maple?

Sorry to be so vague.

 

[trees4ever]

Hi Sean,
The description of the leaves sounds like it could be mites.
You've got Pacific spider mites and a few other mites up in your area. Check those out.
However, what she may be seeing (the pinhead-size bug) is the predatory lady beetle, a very small black lady bug (Stethorus picipes), who is eating the mites.

If it is the lady beetle then let nature take its course.
The Japanese maple won't look too pretty for a while, but I would just monitor it. And make sure the maple is getting enough light and air circulation, good soil conditions, etc., etc.
If there are ants around that can be a problem. They are aggressive and lady bugs will not stick around.

It's been a long day...I stood in some underbrush on my way to work on a tree and got bit by a scorpion just above my boot - I know, I know, wear the high-top type of boots, but those make my feet feel too confined.
It hurt like heck, but I'm still alive... and checking out the Buzz!!

-Diane