Cinara pinea
This record describes Cinara pinea (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Apterae of Cinara pinea are shiny orange-brown early in the year and grey or dark brown later on. The body is finely spotted with black and dusted with wax especially along the dorsal midline and laterally. The spots are black scleroite plates at the base of many of the hairs and they are irregular, often confluent and of varying size. Siphuncular cones are small to medium sized and reddish-brown or dark brown. The body size of Cinara pinea apterae is unusually large at 3.1 to 5.2 mm. The alate Cinara pinea has pronounced wax spots along the centre line of the dorsum, and the size and number of the dorsal scleroites are often reduced. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Cinara pinea are found on young trees and new shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) although sometimes on other pine species including Corsican pine (Pinus nigra) in dry areas. Cinara pinea overwinters as eggs on the current year's needles of Scots pine. The freshly laid eggs are yellow brown but soon change to shiny black. True status of this species in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Cinara_pinea_large_pine_aphid.htm
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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Cinara pinea are found on young trees and new shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) although sometimes on other pine species including Corsican pine (Pinus nigra) in dry areas.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Cinara pinea overwinters as eggs on the current year's needles of Scots pine. The freshly laid eggs are yellow brown but soon change to shiny black.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status of this species in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cinara pinea. 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 Cinara pinea (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinara pinea
What is Cinara pinea?
Cinara pinea is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cinara pinea?
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Where is Cinara pinea found?
Habitat: Cinara pinea are found on young trees and new shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) although sometimes on other pine species including Corsican pine (Pinus nigra) in dry areas.
When is Cinara pinea active?
Cinara pinea: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Cinara pinea?
Cinara pinea overwinters as eggs on the current year's needles of Scots pine. The freshly laid eggs are yellow brown but soon change to shiny black.
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