Bug Identifier
Woolly Aphid
Community identification

Woolly Aphid

Eriosomatinae (subfamily)

Order & Family
Order: Hemiptera, Family: Aphididae
Size
1 to 7 millimeters in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Typically found on host plants such as apples, ash, beech, and alder trees, often clustering on twigs or leaves.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem) from host trees.

Behavior Patterns

They secrete white, waxy strands for protection against predators and moisture loss, giving them a fuzzy appearance. They often move slowly or remain stationary in dense colonies.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause plant damage like leaf curling, galls, and sticky honeydew which promotes sooty mold. Benefits: Serve as a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.