Woolly Aphids
Scientific Name: Eriosomatinae (subfamily, common members include Prociphilus spp., Eriosoma spp., and others)
Order & Family: Hemiptera (Order), Aphididae (Family), Eriosomatinae (Subfamily)
Size: Typically 1-5 mm in length, often appearing smaller due to their woolly covering.
Natural Habitat
Found on various deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly on branches, twigs, and sometimes leaves. They prefer cooler, humid environments.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on plant sap (phloem) by inserting their stylets into the plant tissue. They are specialized sap-suckers.
Behavior Patterns
Woolly aphids are known for producing a white, waxy, cotton-like substance that covers their bodies, providing protection from predators and environmental elements. They often gather in large colonies on stems and branches. Some species alternate between a woody primary host and an herbaceous secondary host within their life cycle. They reproduce rapidly, often parthenogenetically (without mating).
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause damage to host plants, including stunted growth, leaf curl, yellowing, and branch dieback due to sap feeding. They excrete sticky honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold, further hindering photosynthesis. Benefits: Can be a food source for natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, thus playing a role in the food web. Generally not harmful to humans directly, though honeydew can be a nuisance.
Identified on: 10/9/2025