Hamamelistes spinosus

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Hamamelistes spinosus
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Hamamelistes spinosus gall on a Witch Hazel
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Hamamelistes spinosus gall on a birch
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Family: Aphididae
Genus: Hamamelistes
Species:
H. spinosus
Binomial name
Hamamelistes spinosus
Shimer, 1867

Hamamelistes spinosus, also known as the Spiny Witch-Hazel Gall Aphid, is a species of aphid that creates galls on witch hazel and birch species. Its eggs are laid on Witch Hazel in galls, where they overwinter and hatch in spring. They manipulate and live in leaves on birch, with nymphs eating leaves then overwintering on stems. Their life cycles tend to last around 2 years. [1] They create galls by feeding on leaf buds in a way that forms them to support their young. [2]

Contents

H. spinosus is found across North America, from Mexico to Canada. [1]

On Birch

It is recorded on 8 species of birch ( Betula albosinensis , B. alleghaniensis , B. lenta , B. nigra , B. papyrifera , B. pendula , B. populifolia , B. pumila ). [1] Birch leaves affected by H. spinosus often turn yellow or red, and the aphids develop on the underside of the leaves. [2]

Description

Definition of Free Cultural Works logo notext.svg  This article incorporates text from a free content work.Licensed under CC0( license statement/permission ).Text taken from A contribution to the morphology and biology of insect galls​ ,304,Absolom Cosens. Biodiversity Library.

H. spinosus galls are modified flower buds, somewhat elliptical in outline with gradually tapering stalks. They are covered with spines, which are usually curved. The opening is situated at the union of the stalk and the gall proper. This opening is funnel-shaped and is surrounded by a circular ring of tissue.

Dimensions: — Average length including stalk 21 mm.; average width 10 mm.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Hamamelistes spinosus Spiny witchhazel gall aphid". Influentialpoints.com. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Spiny Witch Hazel Gall Aphid, Vol. 10, No. 07". Mississippi State University Extension. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
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