Cinara costata

(Zetterstedt, 1828)

Mealy Spruce Aphid

Cinara costata is a large in the Aphididae, commonly known as the Mealy Spruce Aphid. It feeds on conifers, particularly spruce (Picea spp.), and is native to Europe where it has been documented in Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, and France. Like other Cinara species, it produces honeydew that attracts ants and . The species was first described by Zetterstedt in 1828 from specimens collected in Scandinavia.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cinara costata: /sɪˈnɑːrə kɒˈstɑːtə/

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Distribution

Native to Europe. Documented occurrences include Great Britain (confirmed present), Denmark, Belgium (doubtful), and France (doubtful). The is associated with spruce forests and conifer plantations.

Diet

Feeds on phloem sap of spruce (Picea spp.) and potentially other conifers. Like other aphids, it uses to tap into vascular tissues and excretes excess as honeydew.

Host Associations

Picea - primary spruce trees

Human Relevance

Member of the Cinara, which includes several recognized as pests of Christmas tree production. While C. costata itself is not specifically documented as a major pest in the provided sources, related Cinara aphids are noted as significant threats to Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) Christmas tree operations in the southeastern United States, requiring strategies.

Similar Taxa

Cinara strobiBoth are large conifer-feeding aphids in the same ; C. strobi specifically feeds on white pine (Pinus strobus) rather than spruce
Cinara tujafilinaAnother conifer-feeding Cinara ; has been studied for cold hardiness adaptations and strategies
Cinara coniferShares conifer association and similar ecological role as a honeydew-producing ; mentioned in sources as prey for at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo