Woolly Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found on various trees and shrubs, including apple, elm, ash, and alder trees; often located on twigs, branches, bark crevices, or roots.

Diet & Feeding

Sap-suckers that feed on plant fluids (phloem) from the bark, leaves, or roots of their host plants.

Behavior Patterns

They secrete white, waxy strands for protection, giving them a cotton-like appearance. They often form large colonies on branches or roots and may migrate between primary overwintering hosts and secondary summer hosts.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause galls, curled leaves, and dieback on plants; produce sticky honeydew that promotes sooty mold. Benefits: Serve as a food source for natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.

Identified on: 3/3/2026