Woolly Aphid

Natural Habitat

Typically found on host plants like alder, ash, beech, and fruit trees, but can frequent indoor structures near vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract juice from leaves, buds, and bark.

Behavior Patterns

They secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection from predators and desiccation. Some species alternate between different host plants throughout their life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans but can be a garden pest. Heavy infestations can cause leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth in plants. They produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Identified on: 4/4/2026