Adelges (Dreyfusia) piceae (Ratzeburg, 1843)

Fig. 47

Diagnosis

Similar to A. merkeri but neosistens with central areas of wax pore plates on meso- and metathoracic spinal sclerites often more-or-less triangular, each with 3–6 pits. Total number of pits on 10 central areas 18–59, usually less than 40. The characters distinguishing A. piceae and A. merkeri are variable, and the identification requires several specimens (Blackman & Eastop 2006; Heie 2004). Monoecious, anholocyclic on Abies . Found on trunk and branches. Not ant-attended.

Recorded hosts

Pinaceae: Abies alba, amabilis, balsamea, concolor, lasiocarpa, nordmanniana, sibirica, spp.

Distribution

D.

B7 (B4) Antennae 6-segmented. In colonies between needles of young shoots................................. ............................................................................................................ Mindarus Koch, 1857