Pemphigus populicaulis
This record describes Pemphigus populicaulis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Causes twisted, subglobular galls with oblique openings at the base of cottonwood ( Populus ) leaf blades.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Eriosomatinae
- Tribe
- Pemphigini
- Genus
- Pemphigus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: populicaulis is from Latin populus, the scientific name for the poplar tree + caulis- "stalk or stem", probably both in the genitive case- thus meaning "of poplar stalks or stems". Fitch gave this species the common name "Poplar-stem Gall-louse", based on the obsolete name of "Plant Lice" for aphids.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pemphigus populicaulis. 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 Pemphigus populicaulis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz