White Aphids: more than one type – more damage
October 1st, 2009 Posted in Ornamental & Lawn Pests
One color, one species, right? Nope!
Though all aphids are small with a pear-shaped body, the white aphid is actually several species of aphids, all inhabiting different areas and plants.
Want to learn more about the types and their damage?
This article will cover:
Woolly aphid
Covered in small strands of wax, the woolly aphid gets its name from the fuzzy appearance the wax creates. Woolly aphids leave a cottony substance on the leaves they feed off of.
These feed on leaves, bark, buds, roots, and twigs.
Woolly aphids appear on many hardwood trees, including ash, maple, and elm.
White dwarf aphid
The white dwarf aphid is part of a group of aphids called “soybean aphids.” Several generations appear simultaneously in a soybean field, allowing you to see the nymph and adult phases at the same time.
The white dwarfs are smaller than the normally green soybean aphids, about 1/4 of the size.
White dwarf aphids are expected to be born from green aphids, their strange color is possibly the result of stress on the population.
White pine aphid
These aphids’ bodies are shiny black with a white stripe in the center of their backs.
White pine aphids feed on shoots and branches.
Their eggs are laid in straight rows on needles at the end of summer.
They inhabit white pine trees, different generations moving to different parts of the tree as they mature. Drought will cause many needles on the pine trees to drop, helping reduce their numbers and offspring.
Aphid damage
Aphids feed off the juice in plants. Their straw-like mouths suck the juice out of the leaves, making the ends curl. Small numbers of aphids will not harm plants or gardens, but large numbers can destroy plants.
Damage they may cause includes:
- Honeydew, which aphids produce as waste. Honeydew draws a black mold that, if a large amount accumulates on leaves, will limit photosynthesis.
- Viruses. Aphids carry viruses for some plants, such as squash, pumpkins, beans, and lettuces.
- Wilting or death. Some aphids will burrow to the roots of plants, causing them to wilt and die.
If you have a problem with aphids damaging your garden, try EcoSMART’s Garden Insect Killer. The all-natural garden insecticides are made with rosemary and peppermint oils to protect your garden from aphids and other insects. And to make it even better, it will protect your children and pets by being non-toxic.
