Woolly Aphid

Natural Habitat

Found on various host plants including elms, maples, ash, apple, and pear trees, as well as on roots and bark.

Diet & Feeding

Sap-suckers that feed on plant fluids from leaves, twigs, branches, or roots.

Behavior Patterns

They secrete white, cotton-like wax strands for protection from predators and desiccation. They often congregate in large colonies, making a branch look fuzzy or moldy. Some species have complex life cycles involving alternating between two specific host plants.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant plant damage, forming galls, curled leaves, or twig dieback. They also produce honeydew which promotes sooty mold. Benefits: Primarily a food source for natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.

Identified on: 2/10/2026