Piercing
& Sucking Insects >Adelgids,
General
Adelgids are small, aphid-like insects that are always associated
with conifers. At one time, they were considered to be aphids but
now are in their own family (adelgidae) within the insect
order Homoptera. They are most closely related to the woolly aphids
(Eriosomatidae) and the Phylloxeran aphids (Phylloxeridae). Both
of these aphid groups have members that are associated with producing
wax and galls; they also have very short or no cornicles. Adelgids,
along with being associated with conifers, are also known for producing
woolly masses and / or galls on the host plant. They may feed on
needles, stems, through the bark or within galls, depending on the
species and the host plant involved. Many adelgid species have alternate
host plants where specific life stages develop. For the gall-inducing
species, the galls will only be found on one of the two alternate
hosts. Their potential damage can range from being only an aesthetic
nuisance to that of killing the host plant; this depends on the
specific adelgid pest and the host plant involved.
Images:
| 
Immatures (nymphs) of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on the stem
of a Canada Hemlock.
The "woolly masses" created by the
Pine Bark adelgid, on an Eastern
White Pine.
Galls formed on blue spruce by the Cooley Spruce Gall Adelgid. |
Piercing-sucking
index:
Adelgids, General
Andromeda Lacebug
Aphids, General
Balsam Twig Aphid
Beech Blight Aphid 
Boxwood Psyllid
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Frequently Asked Questions
Honeylocust Plantbug
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