Woolly Aphid

Found on various host plants including alder, ash, elm, apple, and maple trees as well as ornamental shrubs.

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap from leaves, stems, or roots.

They produce a white, waxy, cottony secretion that covers their bodies for protection from predators and desiccation. They are typically slow-moving and often cluster in large colonies. Their life cycle often involves alternating between two different host plant species.

They can cause curling of leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth in host plants. They produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth. While they are usually minor garden pests, they are not harmful to humans or pets. They serve as a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.