White Pine Aphid
Cinara strobi
This record describes Cinara strobi (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are longlegged, and spider-like in appearance. The body is shiny dark brown with a white stripe down the middle of the back. White powdery spots on the sides are often present. Heavy infestations of aphids may kill young trees or may cause reduced growth. The shiny black eggs are laid end to end in a straight line with an average of about 6 per needle
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
Geographic Range
Wherever Eastern white pines are grown.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: White pine.
Life History
During the fall, winged females lay 5-6 eggs in straight lines on white pine needles. Hatching occurs in the spring. These then live in colonies 3-4" long clustered around a branch. Matching occurs in fall and the egg stage overwinters.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Cinara strobi. 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 White Pine Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , ceiseman , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About White Pine Aphid
What is White Pine Aphid?
White Pine Aphid (Cinara strobi) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is White Pine Aphid?
6-7 mm long.
How do you identify White Pine Aphid?
Adults are longlegged, and spider-like in appearance. The body is shiny dark brown with a white stripe down the middle of the back. White powdery spots on the sides are often present.
Where is White Pine Aphid found?
Range: Wherever Eastern white pines are grown.
What does White Pine Aphid eat?
The diet of the White Pine Aphid includes White pine..
What is the life cycle of a White Pine Aphid?
During the fall, winged females lay 5-6 eggs in straight lines on white pine needles. Hatching occurs in the spring. These then live in colonies 3-4" long clustered around a branch. Matching occurs in fall and the egg stage overwinters.