Black Larch Aphid
Cinara laricifex
This record describes Cinara laricifex (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apterae are dark brown to bronze, without wax Sometimes confused with the European C. laricis (Hartig)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Lachninae
- Tribe
- Eulachnini
- Genus
- Cinara (Giant Conifer Aphids)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larix laricina
Life History
Found in small numbers on new growth near tips of twigs, or later also forming colonies on branches or trunk
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Fitch
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cinara laricifex. 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 Black Larch Aphid (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Larch Aphid
What is Black Larch Aphid?
Black Larch Aphid (Cinara laricifex) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black Larch Aphid?
BL 2.5-3.5 mm
How do you identify Black Larch Aphid?
Apterae are dark brown to bronze, without wax
What does Black Larch Aphid eat?
The diet of the Black Larch Aphid includes Larix laricina.
What is the life cycle of a Black Larch Aphid?
Found in small numbers on new growth near tips of twigs, or later also forming colonies on branches or trunk