What are cinara aphids?

Cinara refers to an overall genus of aphids consisting of several species that feed on conifer vegetation. Each species of Cinara aphids has its own distinct conifer host.

Cinara aphids are dark in color and can be various shades of brown and black. This genus features some of the largest aphids in the world and can be found anywhere conifers grow. Their common hosts include spruces, pines, true firs and Douglas fir trees. Large populations of aphids can cause significant damage and even death to some conifers. Interestingly, aphids cause no damage at all to some trees, such as the Fraser fir.