Woolly Aphid

Commonly found on the leaves, branches, or roots of several species of trees and shrubs, particularly alder, apple, ash, and hawthorn trees.

Horticultural pests that feed by sucking sap from the xylem or phloem of host plants using specialized mouthparts called stylets.

They excrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance that covers their bodies to protect them from predators. Some species are known as 'dancing woolly aphids' because they shake their bodies in unison when disturbed to confuse predators.

They are considered garden pests as they can cause yellowing of leaves, leaf curling, and stunted growth in plants. They also produce sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold growth. They do not pose a direct health risk to humans.