Spruce aphid
Elatobium abietinum
16 host plants
Last updated
Data Coverage 1 of 6 dimensions
Yellow patches appear on spruce needles in late winter or early spring; this discoloration intensifies and eventually turns brown as needles drop prematurely. Black fungal growth resembling soot develops on affected needles. The green spruce aphid begins infestations in shaded lower crown portions; epidemics occasionally affect upper crown and leaders.
Green aphids overwinter as wingless females. Strong winter oil spray targets females and reduces spring populations. In wet years, parasitic wasps and predators provide natural suppression. Improve air circulation through selective pruning. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Quick Reference
Order
Hemiptera
Type
sucking-insect
Host Plants
16
Cultural Controls
- Plant resistant species whenever possible.
- American spruces are more susceptible to damage than Asian or Eurasian species.
- Regular hosing of small trees with a strong stream of water will help wash off aphids.
- Natural predators such as spiders and ladybird beetles may help control populations.
- Cold winter weather can also reduce aphid numbers.
- Ants will protect and 'farm' aphids for their honeydew, so they should be controlled.
Host Plants (16)
Picea abies Norway Spruce Picea abies var. pendula Weeping Norway Spruce, Pendulous Norway Spruce Picea asperata Dragon Spruce Picea breweriana Brewer Spruce, Brewer's Weeping Spruce Picea engelmannii Engelmann Spruce Picea gemmata Szechwan Spruce Picea glauca White Spruce, Canadian Spruce, Skunk Spruce Picea koyamae Koyama's Spruce, Yatsugatake-tohi [Japanese] Picea mariana Black Spruce, Bog Spruce, Swamp Spruce Picea omorika Serbian Spruce Picea orientalis Caucasian Spruce, Oriental Spruce Picea pungens Colorado Spruce Picea pungens var. glauca Colorado Blue Spruce Picea rubens Red Spruce Picea sitchensis Sitka Spruce Picea wilsonii Wilson's Spruce