Woolly Beech Aphid
Scientific group or name: Phyllaphis fagi
Overview
Woolly beech aphid forms colonies beneath beech leaves and produces conspicuous white wax.
Host plants
Beech.
Identification
Aphids are covered with white waxy filaments and may occur in groups along veins on leaf undersides.
Damage and symptoms
Feeding can cause sticky honeydew, sooty mould and minor distortion. Healthy established trees usually tolerate infestations.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Colonies are most visible during the growing season on fresh foliage.
Monitoring
Inspect lower leaf surfaces and distinguish the waxy colonies from scale insects or fungal growth.
Management
Intervention is rarely required on established trees. Conserve predators and wash honeydew from surfaces where necessary.
Biological control and natural enemies
Ladybirds, hoverfly larvae, lacewings and parasitoids contribute to natural regulation.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.