Olliffiella cristicola
This record describes Olliffiella cristicola (species). Recorded family: Kermesidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The female induces a gall that projects on the underside of Emory oak ( Quercus emoryi ) leaves. The dorsal side of the leaf has an open slit at the top of the gall. Olliffiella cristicola galls are often inhabited by the thrips Torvothrips kosztarabi , while the scale insect is still alive and also after she has died.
Wikipedia reference for Olliffiella cristicola: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olliffiella_cristicola.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Kermesidae (Gall-like Scale Insects)
- Genus
- Olliffiella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern Arizona.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Olliffiella cristicola. 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 Olliffiella cristicola (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Olliffiella cristicola
What is Olliffiella cristicola?
Olliffiella cristicola is a species in the family Kermesidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Olliffiella cristicola?
The female induces a gall that projects on the underside of Emory oak ( Quercus emoryi ) leaves. The dorsal side of the leaf has an open slit at the top of the gall.
Where is Olliffiella cristicola found?
Range: Southeastern Arizona.