Lachnidae
Author(s): Mariusz Sobieski
Source: IPM Images
Lachnidae/Lachninae - (conifer aphids)
This family contains around 300 species of aphids and is widely distributed. They feed mainly on the bark of trees and can cause outbreaks and considerable damage. Some are also vectors of plant diseases. Mainly conifers are attacked. The aphids produce honeydew which is an important food for ants and honey bees. Significant pest species are, for example, Cinara cupressi which attacks cypress trees or Tuberolachnus salignus on willows. Other groups of aphids, like the Adelgidae, may be also called "conifer aphids".
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Baumläuse |
| • English: | conifer aphids |
The family is sometimes regarded as a subfamily (Lachninae) of the Aphididae, but species are usually larger compared to the typical species of Aphididae. They have prominent eyes and the antennae and body are usually hairy. The abdomen has a pair of siphuncular cones and the cauda are always broader than long.
The following genera and individual species are currently entered under Adelgidae:
