Manzanita Leaf Gall Aphid
Tamalia coweni
This record describes Tamalia coweni (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This aphid feeds on over 30 species of Arctostaphylos (manzanita). It induces pink/red fold galls, either along leaf edges, on the inflorescences, or, on some manzanitas, along the midrib vein.
Wikipedia reference for Tamalia coweni: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamalia_coweni.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Tamaliinae
- Genus
- Tamalia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tamalia coweni. 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 Manzanita Leaf Gall Aphid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross