Eriosomatinae
Guides
Colopha
Colopha is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by Monell in 1877. Species in this genus induce distinctive galls on host plants, most notably the elm cockscomb gall on American elm. The genus exhibits complex life cycles involving host alternation between woody plants and grasses, with both bisexual and unisexual reproductive strategies documented across species.
Colopha graminis
Colopha graminis is a gall-forming aphid in the family Aphididae, closely related to the well-studied elm cockscomb gall aphid Colopha ulmicola. Like other members of the genus Colopha, this species exhibits a complex life cycle involving host alternation and gall formation on its primary host, followed by migration to grass roots for summer feeding. The species was described by Monell in 1882 and belongs to the subfamily Eriosomatinae, a group characterized by their tendency to induce plant galls and their often elaborate seasonal host-switching behaviors.
Eriosoma americanum
Woolly Elm Aphid
Eriosoma americanum, commonly known as the woolly elm aphid, is a North American aphid species that alternates between two host plants: American elm (Ulmus americana) and Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia). The species produces distinctive woolly or cottony wax secretions that give it its common name. Heavy infestations on American elm cause leaf curling and produce visible dark patches and cottony masses. Like other aphids, it excretes honeydew while feeding on plant sap.
Kaltenbachiella
Kaltenbachiella is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Eriosomatinae. The genus was established by Schouteden in 1906 and contains at least three described species. Members of this genus are known for inducing closed galls on host plants and exhibit fine-scale genetic adaptation to individual host tree phenologies. The best-studied species, Kaltenbachiella japonica, demonstrates specialized coevolution with elm trees.
Prociphilus fraxinifolii
leafcurl ash aphid
Prociphilus fraxinifolii, commonly known as the leafcurl ash aphid, is a species of woolly aphid in the family Aphididae. It is a specialist feeder on ash (Fraxinus) species, causing characteristic leaf curl damage to host plants. Like other members of the genus Prociphilus, it produces dense white waxy secretions that give colonies a distinctive woolly appearance. The species has been documented in parts of Europe including Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland, with observations also recorded in North America.
Tetraneura ulmi
elm sack gall aphid, fig gall aphid
Tetraneura ulmi, commonly known as the elm sack gall aphid or fig gall aphid, is a gall-forming aphid in the family Aphididae. First described by Linnaeus in 1758, this species induces distinctive club-like pouch galls on elm leaves. The aphid exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternation between primary elm hosts and secondary grass hosts. Founding mothers stimulate gall formation through sap-sucking behavior, creating a protected environment for their offspring. The species is distributed across Asia, Europe, and North America, with particular dominance in northwestern Europe.