Bug Identifier
Woolly Aphid
Community identification

Woolly Aphid

Eriosomatinae (subfamily)

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
Size
2mm to 4mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.