[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”squiggle-left” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” width=”75%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Order: Hemiptera
Family: Aphididae<\/p>\n
Cinara spp<\/em>. are commonly referred to as giant conifer aphids and collectively feed on pines (Pinus spp<\/em>.), juniper (Juniperus<\/em> spp<\/em>.), and spruce (Picea spp<\/em>.). There are about three dozen species inhabiting the Rocky Mountain region. These aphids have long legs and measure about 6.5 mm (1\/4 inches) long, making them relatively large compared to other aphid genera. Cinara spp<\/em>. are typically purple to black and have antennae that are shorter than half the body length. Some species have a grey or white powdery wax covering their bodies. Both winged and wingless forms are produced, but wingless forms are observed more frequently. The aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts, feed on phloem, and produce copious amounts on honeydew that promotes growth of sooty mold.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Quick Facts” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ image_icon_width=”36px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”|||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FEBD3B” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2023\/10\/Giant-conifer-aphids-jpg.webp” alt=”bed bug infestation” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Giant conifer aphids (Cinara spp.<\/em>) on juniper twig. These aphids only feed on conifers and are relatively large compared to most other aphid genera. Image credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2023\/10\/Infestation-giant-conifer-aphids-jpg.webp” alt=”Southern pine beetle” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Infestation of giant conifer aphids on blue spruce. Image credit: Bob Hammon, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2023\/10\/Eggs-giant-conifer-aphids-jpg.webp” alt=”bed bug bites” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Eggs of giant conifer aphid. Image credit: William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2023\/10\/Feeding-injury-giant-conifer-aphids-jpg.webp” alt=”bed bug bites” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Feeding injury on hedge caused by giant conifer aphids. Note the discoloration on the foliage. Image credit: William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2023\/10\/Cypress-tree-feeding-injury-jpg.webp” alt=”adult bed bug” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_line_height=”1.4em” image_icon_custom_margin=”||-22px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cypress tree with feeding injury caused by giant conifer aphids. Image credit: William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Giant conifer aphids reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis, which allows their populations to build rapidly under favorable environmental conditions when natural enemies are sparse or absent. The last summer generation of giant conifer aphids lay eggs, which overwinter on the bark or needles of host trees. Nymphs emerge the following spring and molt through several instars until reaching adulthood. Generally, Cinara spp.<\/em> populations are highest in late spring and decline by early summer. Multiple generations are produced each year.<\/p>\n Cinara spp.<\/em> feed on roots, branches, or foliage, and tend to be found in large groups. They are host-specific, with most species feeding on a single species or genus of tree. As aphids feed, they excrete a sugar-rich waste – honeydew, which facilitates sooty mold growth and is often more problematic than the direct feeding injuries caused by the aphids. Honeydew is also attractive to ants and wasps, and ants will often protect the aphids from their natural enemies in exchange for honeydew. During cooler weather, Cinara spp.<\/em> are typically more abundant on the lower trunk and branches.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n These aphids are most likely to cause problems during the growing season following a mild winter. Trees can often tolerate some aphid feeding with little negative effects on plant health, and aphid populations are often allowed to build before any noticeable injury occurs. Therefore, early detection is important for effective management. These aphids tend to first appear in the lower crown. High densities of Cinara spp<\/em>. can cause yellowing of foliage and stunted tree growth on young trees. However, needle discoloration can also be observed on trees infested with other sucking insects or infected with certain pathogens and is not a reliable indicator that aphids are present.<\/p>\n The presence of honeydew on trees is a good indication of aphid infestation, as is sooty mold growth, which causes needles to turn black. These aphids may also be present in Christmas tree nurseries and can subsequently be transported indoors. While these aphids are strictly a nuisance pest in the home, they can stain fabric when squished.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Trees can be inspected for honeydew or the growth of sooty mold, which often appears as black needles. Upon close inspection, groups of these aphids may be observed on foliage, twigs, branches, or the trunk. Aphids may become dislodged and drop off Christmas trees when being transported indoors.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font_size=”26px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Providing susceptible trees in urban areas with good growing conditions can help prevent significant feeding injury. Injuring roots mechanically or through soil compaction should be avoided.<\/p>\n Aphids can be dislodged from plants with a high-pressure water stream. To be effective, this approach needs to be repeated frequently throughout the growing season.<\/p>\n When present, natural enemies such as ladybeetles, lacewings, syrphid flies, and parasitic wasps, are often effective in suppressing aphid populations. Hosing off Christmas trees or wreaths with a strong water stream can help dislodge aphids before transporting the plant material indoors. Aphids can also be vacuumed when spotted on a tree or wreath.<\/p>\n In some instances, such as infestations on nursery plants, chemical control may be warranted. Applying systemic insecticides in the spring can help maintain low aphid populations throughout the growing season. Spraying a mixture of water with 2% dishwashing detergent or insecticidal soap when aphid populations are low can provide some control and have a low impact on non-target organisms.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n\t\t [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Baker, J. 2019.<\/strong> Giant Conifer Aphids. North Carolina State University \u2013 Extension Available https:\/\/content.ces.ncsu.edu\/giant-conifer-aphids USDA. 2002.<\/strong> Spruce and Giant Conifer Aphids. United States Department of Agriculture. Available https:\/\/play.google.com\/books\/reader?id=896g6FsIIrUC&pg=GBS.PP6&hl=en<\/a><\/p>\n USDA. 2011.<\/strong> Giant Conifer Aphids. United States Department of Agriculture \u2013 Forest Health Protection. Available https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/Internet\/FSE_DOCUMENTS\/stelprdb5350725.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n USU. (n.d.).<\/strong> Giant Conifer Aphids. Utah State University \u2013 Extension. Available https:\/\/extension.usu.edu\/pests\/ipm\/ornamental-pest-guide\/arthopods\/aphids-adelgids\/giant-conifer-aphids<\/a><\/p>\n\n
Life history and habits<\/h2>\n
Injury<\/h2>\n
Monitoring<\/h2>\n
Prevention<\/h2>\n
Cultural control<\/h2>\n
Biological control<\/h2>\n
Chemical control<\/h2>\n
References<\/h2>\n
Cranshaw, W. 2019. Colorado State University \u2013 Extension. Available https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/topic-areas\/insects\/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511\/<\/a><\/p>\n