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Pineapple gall adelgid

Pineapple gall adelgid

Adelges abietis

A species of Adelges

The Pineapple gall adelgid (Adelges abietis) is a type of conifer-feeding insect that forms pineapple-shaped plant galls on its host species, commonly Norway and Sitka spruce. The adelgids (genus Adelges) are pear-shaped, soft-bodied green insects with long antennae, closely related to the aphid. "Adelges" lays up to one hundred eggs at a time, one on each needle. Adelges abietis (Linnaeus, 1758) is one of the most common species; synonyms are A. gallarum-abietis, Chermes abietis and Sacciphantes abietis. The pineapple or pseudocone gall is a type of insect-formed gall, or abnormal outgrowth of plant tissue, that develops as a chemically induced distortion of needles, observed mostly on Norway spruce and Sitka spruce.

General Info About Pineapple gall adelgid
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Attributes of Pineapple gall adelgid
Colors
Brown
White
Habitat
spruce
Adult Food Sources
Fir host tree phloem, conifer sap
Larva Food Source
Conifer tissue fluids, fir needles sap
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Pineapple gall adelgid
Prominent in appearance, the pineapple or pseudocone gall is often confused with the actual cone of the tree, due to their superficial resemblance. Pineapple galls are distinguishable by their small size, position on the base of budding twigs, and habit of the branch growing on and extending past the gall. The pineapple gall adelgid is endemic to Europe, belonging to the 'woolly adelgid' group; it is also widely distributed in the north-eastern United States. Spruce gall aphid, eastern spruce pineapple gall adelges and eastern spruce gall aphid are alternative names. This insect belongs to the superfamily Aphidoidea, and family Adelgidae. It is the primary pest of Norway Spruce. Another similar species, the Cooley spruce gall adelgid, is indigenous to North America. This adelgid usually affects Colorado Blue, Sitka, Englemann, and Oriental spruces. The eastern spruce gall adelgid (Adelges abietis Linnaeus) is an introduced species that feeds only on spruce. At least in 1985, the species was found in Canada from Ontario eastward and in adjacent parts of the United States.
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Predators of Pineapple gall adelgid Larvae
Birds, ladybird beetles, lacewings, hoverflies
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Predators of Adult Pineapple gall adelgid
Birds, beetles, spiders, lacewings
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Interesting Facts About Pineapple gall adelgid
Pineapple gall adelgid can clone themselves, a process called parthenogenesis, allowing rapid population growth without males.
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Scientific Classification of Pineapple gall adelgid
Tips for Finding Pineapple gall adelgid
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Youth Habitat of Pineapple gall adelgid
Forests and Woodlands
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Habitat Preferences of Pineapple gall adelgid Through Different Life Stages
The egg stage of pineapple gall adelgid is typically found on the twigs and needles of fir trees. As it enters the nymph stage, you might find pineapple gall adelgid huddled together in galls on the host plant, where they remain until maturity. Adults of pineapple gall adelgid often remain on the same fir trees, closely adhering to the bark. To locate these insects during their development, carefully check the undersides of the needles and within crevices in the bark for eggs, explore the fir tree galls for nymphs, and search the bark surface for adult pineapple gall adelgid. Each stage is intricately linked to its preferred habitat on the host plant.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Pineapple gall adelgid
The best time to find pineapple gall adelgid is during its active feeding periods, which vary depending on the life stage but generally are the warmer months when host trees are producing sap.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Pineapple gall adelgid
Weather conditions that are not extreme (moderate temperatures without heavy rain or strong winds) would be suitable for finding pineapple gall adelgid, as these are periods when it is most active and feeding on host trees.
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How and Where Can You Find Pineapple gall adelgid at Different Life Stages
Adult Pineapple gall adelgid adults can usually be found on the branches and leaves of host trees. Look for them where there is visible damage or where other sap-feeding insects are present. The adults are small, but visible to the naked eye.
Pineapple gall adelgid reproduces asexually through a process called parthenogenesis, so the reproductive stage would involve inspecting host trees for the presence of adult females that are ready to lay eggs.
Egg Pineapple gall adelgid eggs are laid on the branches of host trees. They are very small, so searching for them involves inspecting the branches closely, especially in crevices and under loose bark.
Nymph The nymphs of pineapple gall adelgid are known as crawlers and can be found on the host trees, often near where the eggs were laid. Inspecting the undersides of leaves and around buds can reveal the young stages of the pineapple gall adelgid.
Are Pineapple gall adelgid harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Pineapple gall adelgid
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Hurt Plant

Upon feeding, pineapple gall adelgid causes significant harm to Picea genus plants by piercing and sucking fluids from leaves and stems. This depletion of vital nutrients and moisture leads to compromised plant vigor and potential death, while also creating openings that can facilitate the spread of plant diseases.

More Effects of Pineapple gall adelgid

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