Schizolachnus pineti
This record describes Schizolachnus pineti (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The apterae are dark greyish-green covered in wax meal giving a light bluish-grey appearance. The last rostral segment is very short and stumpy with a short tip. The body length is 1.2 to 2.5 mm. They are found on numerous species of Pines (Pinus spp.), especially on young Pinus sylvestris, forming dense colonies in rows along the previous year's needles. Oviparae and alate males occur in October-December, but in years with mild winters colonies may persist through to the next year. Apterae of Schizolachnus pineti can be found on pines all year round providing the winter is not too severe. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records but it is probably fairly frequent and widespread. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Schizolachnus_pineti_grey_waxy_pine_needle_aphid.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They are found on numerous species of Pines (Pinus spp.), especially on young Pinus sylvestris, forming dense colonies in rows along the previous year's needles.
Seasonal Activity
Oviparae and alate males occur in October-December, but in years with mild winters colonies may persist through to the next year. Apterae of Schizolachnus pineti can be found on pines all year round providing the winter is not too severe.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records but it is probably fairly frequent and widespread.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Schizolachnus pineti. 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 Schizolachnus pineti (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Schizolachnus pineti
What is Schizolachnus pineti?
Schizolachnus pineti is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Schizolachnus pineti?
is 1.2 to 2.5 mm.
Where is Schizolachnus pineti found?
Habitat: They are found on numerous species of Pines (Pinus spp.), especially on young Pinus sylvestris, forming dense colonies in rows along the previous year's needles.
When is Schizolachnus pineti active?
Schizolachnus pineti: seasonal activity - Oviparae and alate males occur in October-December, but in years with mild winters colonies may persist through to the next year. Apterae of Schizolachnus pineti can be found on pines all year round providing the winter is not too severe..