Hyalopterus pruni

Distinguished from other Hyalopterus species and aphids on Prunus by the combination of mealy white wax covering, short antennae, and conical cauda. The red eyes and pale bluish green coloration help separate it from many other aphid species. The presence of both typical and "red form" individuals within colonies is characteristic. Winged forms, when present, can be distinguished by their migration timing and secondary host preferences.

Adults measure 1.5–2.6 mm in body length. Body is narrow and oval-shaped with a conical cauda. Antennae are relatively short, reaching approximately half the body length. Coloration is typically pale bluish green, though some individuals in colonies may appear pinkish ("red form"). Eyes are red. The entire body is covered with a mealy white wax secretion that can give individuals a gray or light green appearance.

Found on host plants in orchards, gardens, and natural settings where Prunus species occur. Secondary habitat includes reed beds and areas with Phragmites communis, Arundo donax, and other grasses or cattails where winged migrants disperse.

Cosmopolitan distribution, recorded across multiple continents including Europe, North America, and South America (Brazil). Present in Belgium with records from Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, and Walloon Region.

Active from spring through fall. Wingless adults persist for 3–13 generations. Winged adults typically appear in June and July, dispersing to secondary hosts. Overwintering occurs in the egg stage, with eggs hatching when host plant buds bloom in spring.

Phloem sap feeder. Primary hosts include Prunus species: plum, peach, apricot, and almond. Secondary hosts include Phragmites communis, Arundo donax, reed grasses, and cattails.

• Prunus domestica - primary hostplum
• Prunus persica - primary hostpeach
• Prunus armeniaca - primary hostapricot
• Prunus dulcis - primary hostalmond
• Phragmites communis - secondary hostreed
• Arundo donax - secondary hostgiant reed

Holocyclic with host alternation. Eggs overwinter on primary hosts near flower buds. Eggs hatch when buds bloom in spring. Multiple generations of wingless parthenogenetic females (apterae) occur on primary hosts for 3–13 generations. Winged migrants (alatae) develop in June/July and disperse to secondary hosts (grasses, reeds, cattails). Sexual forms return to primary hosts in fall to produce overwintering eggs.

Forms colonies on host plants. Wingless adults remain on host plants while winged adults disperse to secondary hosts. Produces copious honeydew during feeding. Colonies may contain mixed color morphs (typical and red forms).

Herbivore that produces honeydew, which attracts other insects including ants and natural enemies. Has been observed supporting associated insect communities through honeydew production.

Agricultural pest of stone fruit orchards. Feeding can cause direct damage to plum, peach, apricot, and almond trees. Honeydew production leads to sooty mold growth on fruit and foliage, reducing marketability. Management may be required in commercial orchards.

• Hyalopterus amygdaliSimilar mealy appearance and host range on Prunus; distinguished by morphological details and host preferences
• Brachycaudus helichrysiAlso found on Prunus species; lacks the dense mealy wax covering characteristic of H. pruni

• aphid
• pest
• agricultural pest
• stone fruit pest
• cosmopolitan
• holocyclic
• host alternating

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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