Pineus prob. similis (Adelgidae)
(= Chermidae)

4 pairs of spiracles

Adults:

Gall produced on Picea by Pineus similis. Very similar to Adelges spp. possess 4 pairs of abdominal spiracles rather than the 5 of Adelges spp. Both the genera and species can only be positively identified with a microscope. The gall is larger and 'loose' as compared to the small tight galls of A. cooleyi.



Nymphs:

Pineus similis nymph. Very similar to Adelges spp.



Damage:

Spruce with leader damaged by Pineus sp. P. similis produces galls on both leaders and laterals of spruces. Many young trees recover, but some become stunted and bushy topped and maintain a chronic infestation.



Principal Hosts:

Picea species are the primary hosts of this insect, the secondary host of this species has not been determined.

Economic Importance:

Same as for A. cooleyi on its primary hosts.

References and Links:

FC: 102-106.

See HForest.

Additional Images:

9 year old white spruce with chronic infection of P. similis. Photo credit: Walter Hyashi. Cross-section of Pineus gall. Pineus gall on spruce.