Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid
Adelges abietis
This record describes Adelges abietis (species). Recorded family: Adelgidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Galls are small, short, pineapple-shaped growths found at the bases of twigs of Norway spruce Introduced from Europe before 1900
Wikipedia reference for Adelges abietis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple_gall_adelgid.
Classification
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Click thumbnail to view life cycle:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Adelges (Sacchiphantes) abietis (Linnaeus)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Adelges abietis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid
What is Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid?
Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid (Adelges abietis) is a species in the family Adelgidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid?
Galls are small, short, pineapple-shaped growths found at the bases of twigs of Norway spruce
What is the life cycle of a Eastern Spruce Gall Adelgid?
Click thumbnail to view life cycle: