Family ADELGIDAE

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Introduction

Adelgidae are entirely of Northern Hemisphere origin. Of the world fauna of about 50 species, three species have been introduced with their coniferous hosts to Australia. It is not certain whether a fourth species, Pineus pini, has ever been found in Australia.

Forewings with only 3 oblique veins, all unbranched, the cubitus and anal veins with separate origin. Wings held roof-like in repose. Antennae of alatae 5-segmented, usually with 3 primary sensoria. Antennae of apterae rudimentary, sometimes little more than cephalic projections. Siphunculi and cauda not evident. All females oviparous. Sexuales with mouthparts. Pineus with only 4 abdominal spiracles is readily separated from the other genera which have 5, but some of the other genera are distinguished from one another details of wax plates of the first instar larvae.

Host alternating species have Picea as the primary host; the Picea are characteristically galled. Other genera of Coniferae serve as secondary hosts and on these the adelgids are free-living in varying amounts of wax-wool, hence their common name 'Conifer Wooly Aphids'. Seemingly, they are without parasitoids but are preyed on by chamaemyids and other organisms.

General References

Carter, C.I. 1971. Conifer Woolly Aphids (Adelgidae) in Britain. Forestry Commission Bulletin 42: i-iv 1-51

Ghosh, A.K. 1984. Indian Adelgidae. Oriental Insects 17: 1-34

History of changes