
Community identification
Woolly Aphid
Eriosomatinae (subfamily)
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
- Size
- 2mm to 4mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on various host plants including fruit trees (apple, pear), alder, maple, and beech trees; often clustered on twigs, branches, or roots.
Diet & Feeding
Plant sap (phloem) extracted through a needle-like mouthpart; they feed on the leaves, buds, bark, and roots of host plants.
Behavior Patterns
They produce a white, waxy, cotton-like covering for protection. They are known for 'dancing' or wagging their bodies when disturbed and often travel in large, fuzzy-looking clusters.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans but considered a garden pest. They can cause plant stress, leaf curling, and the formation of galls or cankers. They also excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.