Altruistic-defense
Guides
Mordwilkoja vagabunda
Poplar Vagabond Aphid
A gall-forming aphid that induces distinctive galls on Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood). Nymphs exhibit anti-predator behaviors including synchronized rhythmic movements and active defense against pyralid moth larvae using legs and rostrums. Unlike some related aphids, defensive nymphs include alatoid forms rather than specialized first-instar soldiers. The species has a complex life cycle with alternation between primary and secondary hosts.