Bug Identifier
Woolly Aphid
Community identification

Woolly Aphid

Eriosomatinae (subfamily)

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
Size
2mm to 4mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.