Eriosomatini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eriosomatini: /ˌɛri.oʊˌsɒməˈtaɪni/

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Summary

Woolly aphids are sap-sucking insects known for their waxy white covering and cottony appearance. They primarily feed on elms and can cause various degrees of damage to plants, though they are not typically a major concern. They are vectors for certain plant diseases and can impact the health of ornamental plants.

Physical Characteristics

Woolly aphids produce a filamentous waxy white covering resembling cotton or wool. Adults are winged, and nymphs form large cottony masses on twigs.

Identification Tips

In flight, woolly aphids appear similar to "flying mice". They have been given various nicknames including 'angel flies', 'cotton fairies', 'fluff bugs', 'fairy flies', 'ash bugs', 'snow bugs', 'fluffer fairies', 'poodle flies', 'ghost bugs', and 'fluffy gnats'.

Habitat

Woolly aphids are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, typically on elm trees as the summer host.

Distribution

Found across the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Diet

Woolly aphids feed by inserting needle-like mouthparts into plant tissue to withdraw sap from leaves, buds, bark, and roots.

Life Cycle

Adults move to new locations to lay egg masses. Nymphs often form cottony masses for protection against predators.

Reproduction

Adults lay egg masses after migrating to suitable host plants in the summer.

Predators

Various predatory insects may target woolly aphids; specific predators are not mentioned in the provided information.

Ecosystem Role

Woolly aphids are sap-suckers that can affect the health of host plants and are vectors for plant diseases.

Economic Impact

Woolly aphids can cause botanical damage and are considered pests, especially for ornamental plant growers. They can promote sooty mold and lead to reduced plant vigor.

Health Concerns

Woolly aphids can act as vectors for the transmission of plant diseases, including powdery mildew, but no specific health concerns for humans are mentioned.

Evolution

The subfamily Eriosomatinae was previously classified under family Pemphigidae (Eriosomatidae), but that classification is no longer valid.

Misconceptions

Despite their potential to damage plants, woolly aphids are generally not considered alarming pests by themselves.

Tags

• Eriosomatini
• Woolly aphids
• Hemiptera
• Plant pests