Woolly-aphid
Guides
Adelges laricis
Larch Woolly Aphid
Adelges laricis is a holocyclic adelgid with a complex life cycle involving two host genera: Picea (spruce) as primary host where galls form, and Larix (larch) as secondary host. The species exhibits extensive morphological polymorphism across five generations (Fundatrix, Migrans alata, Hiemosistens, Sexupara, Sexualis). First-instar nymphs are the only mobile stage; subsequent instars remain sessile with stylets permanently inserted. The species is a significant forest pest causing reduced tree vigor, needle damage, and mortality under chronic infestation.
Eriosomatinae
Woolly Aphids, Gall-making Aphids
Eriosomatinae is a subfamily of aphids distinguished by filamentous waxy secretions that produce a cotton-like or woolly appearance. Members exhibit typically heteroecious holocyclic life cycles, alternating between primary and secondary host plants, with strong primary host plant specialization. Many species induce galls on primary hosts, particularly on Ulmaceae (elms, zelkovas), Salicaceae (poplars), and Anacardiaceae (sumacs). The subfamily contains three tribes: Eriosomatini, Fordini, and Pemphigini.
Grylloprociphilus
woolly beech aphid, boogie-woogie aphid, beech blight aphid
Grylloprociphilus is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Smith & Pepper in 1968. The genus contains at least one described species, G. imbricator, commonly known as the woolly beech aphid or boogie-woogie aphid. These aphids are notable for producing dense white waxy secretions that cloak host tree branches, and for their distinctive defensive behavior of synchronized posterior swaying when disturbed. The genus exhibits heteroecious holocyclic life cycles with host alternation between primary and secondary hosts.
Grylloprociphilus imbricator
Beech Blight Aphid, Woolly Beech Aphid, Boogie-Woogie Aphid
Grylloprociphilus imbricator, commonly known as the beech blight aphid or boogie-woogie aphid, is a small sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae. It forms dense colonies on American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia), covering branches with thick blankets of fluffy white wax produced from specialized abdominal glands. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving both beech and cypress hosts, with parthenogenetic reproduction on beech and root-feeding stages on cypress. When disturbed, colonies perform a distinctive synchronized swaying behavior that gives rise to their common name.
Melaphis
staghorn sumac aphid
Melaphis is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, subtribe Melaphidina. The genus contains at least three cryptic species in North America: Melaphis rhois (the staghorn sumac aphid), Melaphis asafitchi, and Melaphis minuta. These aphids are notable for inducing galls on sumac and exhibiting ovoviviparity in sexual females.
Melaphis rhois
Staghorn sumac aphid, Sumac gall aphid
Melaphis rhois is a woolly aphid that induces distinctive galls on sumac leaves (Rhus typhina and R. glabra). It was first described by Asa Fitch in 1866 and has a complex life cycle involving alternation between sumac and moss hosts. The species is part of a cryptic species complex; molecular and morphometric analyses have revealed at least three sympatric species in North America previously grouped under this name. It exhibits exceptionally low genetic diversity and pronounced population structure due to restricted gene flow among isolated galls.
Neoprociphilus aceris
woolly maple aphid, woolly alder aphid
Neoprociphilus aceris is a woolly aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the woolly maple aphid or woolly alder aphid. It exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with alternating sexual and parthenogenetic generations on alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species produces dense woolly wax secretions covering its body, forming conspicuous colonies on branches and twigs. It is a phloem-feeding specialist with documented host associations primarily with alder, though its common name suggests potential maple associations that require verification.
Phyllaphis
woolly beech aphids
Phyllaphis is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Koch in 1856. The genus comprises at least four described species, with Phyllaphis fagi and P. grandifoliae commonly known as woolly beech aphids. Species in this genus are associated with beech trees (Fagus spp.) and exhibit complex life cycles with multiple generations per growing season. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in related genera such as Tamalia.
Prociphilus
Woolly Aphids
Prociphilus is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Eriosomatinae, comprising approximately 50 species. These aphids are notable for inducing gall formation on host plants, within which they reside and feed. The genus exhibits complex life cycles including host alternation and polyphenism, with multiple distinct morphs adapted to different hosts and conditions. Several species have documented mutualistic relationships with ants, and some display remarkable seasonal phenomena such as the mass emergence of Prociphilus oriens in Japan, which is culturally associated with the first snowfall.
Prociphilus caryae
hickory woolly aphid
Prociphilus caryae, the hickory woolly aphid, is a species of woolly aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Prociphilus, this species is characterized by dense white waxy secretions that cover the body, giving it a distinctive woolly appearance. The species is associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) as its primary host. Woolly aphids in this genus are known for complex life cycles that typically involve host alternation between a primary woody host and secondary herbaceous hosts, though specific details for P. caryae are not well documented in available sources.
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.
Prociphilus tessellatus
Woolly Alder Aphid, Maple Blight Aphid
Prociphilus tessellatus, commonly known as the woolly alder aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is notable for producing dense white, waxy filaments that cover its body, giving it a distinctive woolly or cloud-like appearance. The species has been observed forming colonies on alder (Alnus) species, including European alder (Alnus glutinosa). It serves as prey for various predators, including the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). The waxy secretions are believed to provide protection against predators and environmental conditions.
Shivaphis
Shivaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae, described by Das in 1918. The genus includes species associated with trees in the family Cannabaceae, particularly Celtis (hackberries) and Pteroceltis. The most widely documented species, S. celti, is known as the Asian woolly hackberry aphid and has been introduced to North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their woolly wax secretions and specific host associations with woody plants.
Shivaphis celti
Asian Woolly Hackberry Aphid
Shivaphis celti is an invasive aphid species native to Asia that has established populations in North America. It is a specialist herbivore that feeds exclusively on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), causing distinctive woolly or waxy secretions on leaves and branches. The species has been documented across much of the continental United States and is considered a nuisance pest in urban areas where hackberry is planted as an ornamental.
Stegophylla
Woolly Oak Aphids
Stegophylla is a genus of aphids in the subfamily Phyllaphidinae, first described by Oscar W. Oestlund in 1923. Members are commonly known as woolly oak aphids due to their association with oak host plants and the waxy secretions they produce. The genus contains seven recognized species, including S. quercifoliae and S. quercicola, both linked to Quercus species.