Photo: Hemlock Woolly Adelgig (Adelges tsugae), Open Source
We are pleased to announce the winner of our most recent Monday Nature Mystery, Seth Sweigard!
Congratulations to Seth for identifying the Hemlock Woolly Adelgig (Adelges tsugae).
Hemlock Wooly Adelgig (Adelges tsugae). Photo: Open Source
According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae, is a non-native insect that feeds on sap and stored nutrients of eastern hemlock trees. This species, originally from Asia, has infested hemlocks in the eastern United States since its accidental introduction in the 1950s. The insects are small and settle at the base of hemlock needles where they insert piercing, sucking mouthparts to feed. They cover themselves with a white, waxy secretion giving them the characteristic “cotton ball” appearance on the underside of the needles. Since its introduction, HWA has spread throughout the native range of eastern hemlocks and has altered hemlock ecosystems in the eastern United States. VDF has a cost-share program available to treat affected trees.
Each Monday we’ll post a new mystery and identify the previous week’s winner. They’ll receive an ASNV hat or tote bag.
Here is this week’s mystery:
Who is this?
Be sure to post your guess on our Facebook page under the latest Monday Nature Mystery post, and make sure you receive our emails to find out the winner and mystery answer each week. Good Luck!
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Monday Nature Mystery: Who is this? Photo: Flickr user Matthew