Woolly Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found on various host plants including fruit trees, elms, and shrubs; often situated in bark crevices or on the undersides of leaves.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. These insects use needle-like mouthparts to pierce plant tissues and suck out the sap (phloem).

Behavior Patterns

They produce white, fluffy, cotton-like waxy filaments from specialized glands for protection against predators and moisture loss. Some species have complex life cycles involving alternating host plants.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans. They are agricultural pests that can cause leaf curling, galls, and sticky honeydew deposits; however, they serve as a critical food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Identified on: 3/25/2026