Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid
Hormaphis hamamelidis
This record describes Hormaphis hamamelidis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
At lower altitudes they have a secondary host: river birch ( Betula nigra ) but at higher ones they have fewer generations and only one host, witchhazel. They may be two separate species.
Wikipedia reference for Hormaphis hamamelidis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel_cone_gall_aphid.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Hormaphidinae
- Genus
- Hormaphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Hamamelis virginiana (witchhazel)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hormaphis hamamelidis Fitch 1851
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Hormaphis hamamelidis. 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 Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid
What is Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid?
Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid (Hormaphis hamamelidis) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid?
1.1‒1.7 mm
What does Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid eat?
The diet of the Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid includes Host: Hamamelis virginiana (witchhazel).