Woolly Beech Aphid

Commonly found on the underside of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree leaves throughout Europe and North America.

Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of beech tree leaves using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

They produce a thick coat of white, filamentous wax for protection. In early summer, they aggregate in large colonies on leaves, secreting large amounts of sticky honeydew.

Rarely causes significant damage to mature trees, but can lead to leaf curling and yellowing. The honeydew they secrete can promote the growth of black sooty mold, which is unsightly on garden furniture or pavements under the trees.