Apple Mealybug
Phenacoccus aceris
This record describes Phenacoccus aceris (species). Recorded family: Pseudococcidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
have three circuli --Ian Stocks's comment
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Pseudococcidae (Mealybugs)
- Subfamily
- Phenacoccinae
- Genus
- Phenacoccus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan, thought to be European in origin ; in NA, e. Canada (NS-ON), BC & adjacent US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: wide range of hosts, primarily Rosaceae but also common on maple & basswood ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phenacoccus aceris. 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 Apple Mealybug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Mealybug
What is Apple Mealybug?
Apple Mealybug (Phenacoccus aceris) is a species in the family Pseudococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Apple Mealybug?
have three circuli --Ian Stocks's comment
Where is Apple Mealybug found?
Range: Cosmopolitan, thought to be European in origin ; in NA, e. Canada (NS-ON), BC & adjacent US
What does Apple Mealybug eat?
The diet of the Apple Mealybug includes wide range of hosts, primarily Rosaceae but also common on maple & basswood ( 3 ).