Black Willow Bark Aphid
Pterocomma salicis
This record describes Pterocomma salicis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
These are large greenish black to black aphids 3.2 - 4.5 mm in length with pale grey spots of waxy powder. The siphunculi are bright orange. The legs and antennae are pinkish-brown. They feed on the two year old twigs of willows (Salix species). Difficult to assess as there are very few records. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Pterocomma_salicis_Black_willow_bark_aphid.htm
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Aphidinae
- Tribe
- Macrosiphini
- Genus
- Pterocomma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They feed on the two year old twigs of willows (Salix species).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is often attended by ants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Difficult to assess as there are very few records.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pterocomma salicis. 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.
Photos of Black Willow Bark Aphid (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Willow Bark Aphid
What is Black Willow Bark Aphid?
Black Willow Bark Aphid (Pterocomma salicis) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Black Willow Bark Aphid?
with pale grey spots of waxy powder. The siphunculi are bright orange. The legs and antennae are pinkish-brown.
Where is Black Willow Bark Aphid found?
Habitat: They feed on the two year old twigs of willows (Salix species).
What is the life cycle of a Black Willow Bark Aphid?
This species is often attended by ants.