Downy Birch Aphid
Euceraphis punctipennis
This record describes Euceraphis punctipennis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the larger aphids and has a pale green body, lightly dusted with bluish wax particles, membranous wings and long legs. Euceraphis betulae is found on Silver Birch. Found living on downy birch trees (Betula pubescens) where they feed and multiply on the buds and leaves by sucking sap. Widespread in Britain, but under recorded. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Euceraphis_punctipennis_Downy_birch_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Calaphidinae
- Tribe
- Calaphidini
- Genus
- Euceraphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around areas with Downy Birch.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Found living on downy birch trees (Betula pubescens) where they feed and multiply on the buds and leaves by sucking sap.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain, but under recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Euceraphis punctipennis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downy Birch Aphid
What is Downy Birch Aphid?
Downy Birch Aphid (Euceraphis punctipennis) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Downy Birch Aphid found?
Habitat: Around areas with Downy Birch.
When is Downy Birch Aphid active?
Downy Birch Aphid: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Downy Birch Aphid?
Found living on downy birch trees (Betula pubescens) where they feed and multiply on the buds and leaves by sucking sap.