
Community identification
Woolly Aphid
Eriosomatinae (Subfamily)
- Order & Family
- Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
- Size
- Typically 1-3 mm in length (plus the waxy filaments)
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.