Hemlocks are in the pine family (Pinaceae) of the conifer phylum (Coniferophyta); other members of the Pine family are pines, firs, spruces and larch and other members of the Coniferophyta are juniper...Hemlocks are in the pine family (Pinaceae) of the conifer phylum (Coniferophyta); other members of the Pine family are pines, firs, spruces and larch and other members of the Coniferophyta are junipers, redwoods and cedars. In neither case is the insect ‘sucking’ fluids, it is merely tapping a pressurized ‘pipe’. In the far east, where the HWA is native, it is controlled by predatory insect species and there is hope that introduction of these predators may help control the pest in North America.
