Essigella

Del Guercio, 1909

American Pine Needle Aphids

Essigella is a of in the , commonly known as pine needle aphids. in this genus are specialized feeders on Pinaceae, particularly Pinus species. Essigella californica, the species and most well-known member, is to western North America and has become an pest in Australia and New Zealand, where it affects commercial pine plantations. The genus is characterized by its association with conifer and its potential to cause and reduced tree growth.

Essigella agilis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Essigella knowltoni by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Essigella gillettei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Essigella: /ˌɛsɪˈɡɛlə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Coniferous forests and plantations, primarily on Pinus . In invaded regions, found in Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) plantations.

Distribution

to western North America. and established in Australia and New Zealand, where it has spread to most pine-growing areas.

Diet

Phloem sap from Pinaceae, particularly Pinus .

Host Associations

Pinus radiata - primary Commercially important in invaded regions (Australia, New Zealand)
Pinaceae - in western North America

Behavior

Causes of trees; vary significantly based on climatic conditions and site characteristics.

Ecological Role

Forest pest that reduces tree growth and diameter increment; associated with increased of needlecast Cyclaneusma minus; considered to have lower pest status in New Zealand compared to Australia.

Human Relevance

Significant forestry pest in Australia and New Zealand, affecting commercial softwood plantations. Subject of efforts using the Diaeretus essigellae.

Similar Taxa

CinaraAnother of conifer-feeding in Lachninae; Essigella distinguished by patterns and morphological features

More Details

Invasion History

Essigella californica was accidentally to Australia before 1998 and has since spread to nearly all pine-growing areas. It was detected in New Zealand by 2006.

Biological Control

Diaeretus essigellae, a , was to Australia in 2007 and released in 2009 after -specificity testing confirmed high specificity to E. californica. This was the first agent released against a member of the Lachninae in Australia.

Climate Modeling

CLIMEX modeling indicates E. californica is climatically restricted to temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical regions of Australia, limited by hot wet conditions in the north and hot dry conditions in central areas.