Balsam Woolly Adelgid
Adelges piceae
This record describes Adelges piceae (species). Recorded family: Adelgidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Purple to black. As they mature, they cover themselves with cottony white wax, and become much more noticeable. Adults are near-spherical and usually wingless.
Wikipedia reference for Adelges piceae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balsam_woolly_adelgid.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere with fir trees, including Christmas tree farms
Geographic Range
Non-native; established throughout w. & e. NA
Seasonal Activity
In most of range, only one immature life stage survives the winter; adults and other immature life stages occur from spring to fall. In the South, all life stages occur year-round.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: True firs, especially balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) and Fraser fir ( A. fraseri ). Feeding takes place on rough areas of bark (lenticles), branch nodes (where a new twig would grow), and under cone-forming buds. A substance injected by the aphid causes abnormal cell growth, can stunt tree growth, prevent cone/seed formation, and eventually kill it.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Adelges (Dreyfusia) piceae (Ratzeburg)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Adelges piceae. 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 Balsam Woolly Adelgid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Balsam Woolly Adelgid
What is Balsam Woolly Adelgid?
Balsam Woolly Adelgid (Adelges piceae) is a species in the family Adelgidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Balsam Woolly Adelgid?
1 mm
How do you identify Balsam Woolly Adelgid?
Purple to black. As they mature, they cover themselves with cottony white wax, and become much more noticeable. Adults are near-spherical and usually wingless.
Where is Balsam Woolly Adelgid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Anywhere with fir trees, including Christmas tree farms |
| Range | Non-native; established throughout w. & e. NA |
What does Balsam Woolly Adelgid eat?
The diet of the Balsam Woolly Adelgid includes True firs, especially balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) and Fraser fir ( A. fraseri ). Feeding takes place on rough areas of bark (lenticles), branch nodes (where a new twig would grow), and under cone-forming buds. A substance injected by the aphid causes abnormal cell growth, can stunt tree growth, prevent cone/seed formation, and eventually kill it..
When is Balsam Woolly Adelgid active?
Balsam Woolly Adelgid: seasonal activity - In most of range, only one immature life stage survives the winter; adults and other immature life stages occur from spring to fall. In the South, all life stages occur year-round..