Pemphigus spyrothecae
This record describes Pemphigus spyrothecae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pemphigus spyrothecae is an aphid that causes galls to form in the leaf petioles of its host trees. The galls are seen more often than the aphid. The galled petioles have 2-3 twists, which loosen up later in the year to release aphids through a slit along the gall. The rare Pemphigus protospirae has gall with more than 3 twists, and only slight thickening of the petiole. It has not been recorded in VC55 It is an aphid that lives in colonies and soldier aphids tend to be located near to the opening of the gall to defend it from predators. Widespread and thought to be fairly frequent in England. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Pemphigus_spyrothecae_Poplar_spiral_gall_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
- Eriosomatinae
- Tribe
- Pemphigini
- Genus
- Pemphigus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that poplar trees are present.
Seasonal Activity
Galls from June to late autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is an aphid that lives in colonies and soldier aphids tend to be located near to the opening of the gall to defend it from predators.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and thought to be fairly frequent in England.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pemphigus spyrothecae. 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 spyrothecae (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pemphigus spyrothecae
What is Pemphigus spyrothecae?
Pemphigus spyrothecae is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Pemphigus spyrothecae found?
Habitat: Anywhere that poplar trees are present.
When is Pemphigus spyrothecae active?
Pemphigus spyrothecae: seasonal activity - Galls from June to late autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pemphigus spyrothecae?
It is an aphid that lives in colonies and soldier aphids tend to be located near to the opening of the gall to defend it from predators.