Fig Gall
Tetraneura ulmi
This record describes Tetraneura ulmi (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The aphid Tetraneura ulmi causes a fig like gall to be formed on certain species of elm. This is a quite large, solitary, upright, pouch like gall on the upper surface of the leaf. The gall is more often seen than the adult aphid. Anywhere that the host species - English Elm, Wych Elm or Small-leaved Elm are present Fairly frequent and widespread in much of Britain. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Tetraneura_ulmi_Elm-grass_root_aphid.htm
Wikipedia reference for Tetraneura ulmi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetraneura_ulmi.
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
- Eriosomatini
- Genus
- Tetraneura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that the host species - English Elm, Wych Elm or Small-leaved Elm are present
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in much of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tetraneura ulmi. 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.
