Woolly Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found globally in temperate regions, typically on host plants such as apples, elm, ash, and hawthorn trees.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on plant sap (phloem) by piercing stems, leaves, or roots with needle-like mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Nymphs secrete white, waxy strands from special glands that cover their bodies for protection from predators and desiccation. They often congregate in large, fuzzy-looking colonies.

Risks & Benefits

They are considered horticultural pests as they can cause leaf curling, gall formation, and reduced plant vigor. They produce honeydew, which leads to sooty mold growth. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as a food source for lacewings and ladybugs.

Identified on: 5/14/2026