Physokermes piceae (von Paula Schrank, 1801)

spruce bud scale

on Abies, Picea

Picea glauca, Hungary, Mosonmagyaróvár, 21.viii.2019 © László Érse

adult females

females and larvae

larvae on the needles

a single larva

Picea abies, Hungary, Mosonmagyaróvár, 21.viii.2019 © László Érsek

The damage for the plant to a large extent is linked to the sooty moulds that forms on the excreted honey dew.

parasite

Egg-carrying female ± 8 mm, shining, yellowish brown, shaped like a coffee bean, in shoot axils. Males in equal number as the females.

host plants

Pinaceae, oligophagous

Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, pinsapo; Picea abies, omorika, orientalis, pungens.

phenology

Univoltine, hibernation as nd instar larvae.

references

Akkuzu, Arslangündoğdu & Selmi (2006a), Dziedzicka (1988a), Gertsson & Isacsson (2012a, 2014a), Hellrigl (2004a), Jansen (1999b, 2013a), Koteja & Żak-Ogaza (1966a), Kozár, Guignard, Bachmann ao (1994a), Malumphy, Ostrauskas & Pye (2008a, 2010a), Schmutterer & Hoffmann (2003a), Seljak (2010a), Ülgentürk, Çanakçioğlu & Kaygin (2004a), Ülgentürk & Toros (1999a), Żak-Ogaza & Koteja (1964a).