Fordini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Aphidoidea
Family: Aphididae
Subfamily: Eriosomatinae
Tribe: Fordini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Fordini: //fɔɹˈdiːnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Rhus typhina & Melaphis rhois SCA-0635 by R. A. Nonenmacher. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Melaphis rhois (Aphididae) - (gall), Niagara (NY), United States by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Melaphis rhois gall. closeup by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Rhus typhina & Melaphis rhois SCA-0632 by R. A. Nonenmacher. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Rhus typhina & Melaphis rhois SCA-0628-29 by R. A. Nonenmacher. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Melaphis rhois galls by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Woolly aphids, part of the Eriosomatinae subfamily, are sap-sucking insects known for their cotton-like covering and association with plant damage. They influence plant health and are known to transmit diseases.

Physical Characteristics

Woolly aphids are characterized by a filamentous waxy white covering that resembles cotton or wool. Adults are winged and their movement resembles 'flying mice'.

Identification Tips

Their unique white, cotton-like covering helps to distinguish woolly aphids, as well as their typical habitat of forming large cottony masses on twigs.

Habitat

Woolly aphids typically inhabit areas with their specific host plants, commonly found on twigs and foliage.

Distribution

Woolly aphids are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Diet

They feed by inserting needle-like mouthparts into plant tissues to withdraw sap, affecting leaves, buds, bark, and roots.

Life Cycle

Adults lay egg masses; nymphs form cottony masses on twigs for protection.

Reproduction

Woolly aphids exhibit generations that may alternate between one or two specific host plants.

Predators

Natural predators include various insectivorous species, though specific predators are not mentioned.

Ecosystem Role

Woolly aphids can act as vectors for plant diseases and fungi, impacting plant health.

Economic Impact

They are considered pests, particularly in ornamental plant cultivation, causing cosmetic damage and potential economic loss.

Cultural Significance

Known by various nicknames such as 'cotton fairies','fluff bugs', and 'angel flies' which reflects their appearance.

Evolution

Previously placed in the family Pemphigidae (now considered invalid), they have recently been reassigned to the family Aphididae.

Misconceptions

They are often mistakenly perceived as harmless despite their potential to cause damage and spread diseases.