Hickory-pest
Guides
Aceria caryae
Pecan Leafroll Mite
Aceria caryae, commonly known as the Pecan Leafroll Mite, is an eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. These microscopic, worm-like mites are plant parasites that infest pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and related hickory species (Carya spp.). Eriophyid mites are characterized by their elongated, annulated bodies and reduced number of legs (four legs in adults, compared to eight in most mites). The species causes distinctive leaf rolling symptoms on pecan foliage. As with other eriophyid mites, A. caryae has a short development period of approximately 7–10 days, allowing rapid population buildup under favorable conditions.
Acrobasis angusella
Hickory Leafstem Borer, Leafstem Borer, Hickory Leafstem Borer Moth
Acrobasis angusella, described by Grote in 1880, is a snout moth in the family Pyralidae. The species is known from Quebec, Canada, and the northeastern United States. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 18 mm and are active from May through September. The larvae are specialized feeders on hickory species (Carya), boring into leaf stems and causing premature leaf drop.
Archips infumatana (Zeller, 1875)
Smoked Leafroller Moth, Hickory Webworm
Archips infumatana, commonly known as the Smoked Leafroller Moth or Hickory Webworm, is a tortricid moth species described by Zeller in 1875. It is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, ranging from Quebec and Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Iowa. The species belongs to the leafroller genus Archips, whose larvae characteristically construct silk-bound shelters by rolling or folding leaves. Larvae of this genus are known hosts for parasitoid wasps including mason wasps (Eumeninae).
Megaxyela major
Megaxyela major is a species of sawfly in the family Xyelidae, one of the most primitive families of Hymenoptera. The genus Megaxyela contains some of the largest xyelid sawflies. Species in this genus are associated with walnut (Juglans) and hickory (Carya) trees as hosts for their larvae.
Phylloxera caryaeavellana
hickory phylloxeran, hickory phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaeavellana is a small, gall-forming insect in the family Phylloxeridae that infests hickory trees (Carya species). The species causes distinctive swollen, globular galls to form on leaves, petioles, and leaf veins during spring growth. It is closely related to aphids and shares their piercing-sucking mouthpart morphology. The insect has a complex life cycle involving multiple generations and winged dispersal forms. Unlike the economically devastating grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae), this species is primarily a curiosity rather than a significant agricultural pest, causing minimal lasting damage to healthy host trees.
Phylloxera caryaeglobuli
hickory phylloxeran, hickory phylloxera
Phylloxera caryaeglobuli is a small, soft-bodied, gall-forming insect closely related to aphids. It induces distinctive globular galls on hickory leaves and petioles, particularly on mockernut hickory. The species has a complex life cycle involving parthenogenetic reproduction within galls and winged dispersal stages. It overwinters as eggs deposited on bark or near old galls.
Phylloxera caryaescissa
pecan leaf phylloxera, hickory phylloxeran
Phylloxera caryaescissa is a tiny, soft-bodied insect closely related to aphids that forms galls on hickory and pecan leaves. The species survives winter as eggs in bark crevices, with nymphs emerging during spring bud break to feed on new growth. Unlike the more destructive pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix), this species attacks leaf tissue only and does not damage shoots or nuts. Extensive infestations may cause some defoliation but typically do not significantly reduce yield.
Phylloxera conica
hickory phylloxeran, hickory phylloxera
Phylloxera conica is a gall-forming insect closely related to aphids that induces distinctive globular galls on hickory leaves and petioles. The insect overwinters as eggs on bark or near old galls, with nymphs emerging during bud break to feed on new growth. Their feeding stimulates abnormal plant cell development, creating hollow galls that provide shelter and food. The species has a complex life cycle involving multiple generations, with winged forms eventually dispersing to lay overwintering eggs. Heavy infestations can reduce tree vigor and nut production in hickory trees.
Phylloxera crypta
Phylloxera crypta is a gall-forming insect closely related to aphids, known to induce distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya species). Like other phylloxerans, this species manipulates plant tissue development through chemical secretions during feeding, creating protective structures that house developing nymphs. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving multiple generations and both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction phases.
Phylloxera wiedenmanni
Phylloxera wiedenmanni is a gall-forming phylloxeran that induces galls on hickory trees. As a member of the family Phylloxeridae, it is closely related to aphids and shares their piercing-sucking mouthpart morphology. The species overwinters as eggs deposited on bark or near old galls, with nymphs emerging during bud break to feed on new leaf tissue. Its feeding stimulates the formation of globular galls on leaves and petioles, within which the insect completes development. The species exhibits complex life history traits including parthenogenetic reproduction within galls and winged dispersal forms.