Woolly Apple Aphid
Eriosoma lanigerum
This record describes Eriosoma lanigerum (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Reddish-purplish with characteristic bluish-white woolly masses of wax on its body This aphid transmits perennial canker. It is more of a problem when pesticides have destroyed its natural enemies. The larvae of Heringia calcarata (Syrphidae) feeds on this aphid and is considered as a possible biocontrol ( Short 2003 ). Another biocontrol is the parasitic wasp, Aphelinus mali .. There are others such as earwigs and predatory mites. Native to North America. It has been accidentally introduced into other areas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Eriosomatinae
- Tribe
- Eriosomatini
- Genus
- Eriosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feeds principally on apple, also, pears, hawthorn, ash, alders, elms and oaks.
Life History
Usually overwinter on elms and the first generation is spent on that host. In early summer winged forms appear, they migrate to apple, hawthorn and related trees. Later in the season some migrate to elms, where the bisexual generation is produced and over wintering eggs laid. Other individuals migrate from the branches of the apple trees to the roots, where they produce gall-like growths. The root-inhabiting forms may remain there for a year or more, passing through several generations.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Hausmann
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Eriosoma lanigerum. 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 Woolly Apple Aphid (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Woolly Apple Aphid
What is Woolly Apple Aphid?
Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Woolly Apple Aphid?
Reddish-purplish with characteristic bluish-white woolly masses of wax on its body
What does Woolly Apple Aphid eat?
The diet of the Woolly Apple Aphid includes Feeds principally on apple, also, pears, hawthorn, ash, alders, elms and oaks..
What is the life cycle of a Woolly Apple Aphid?
Usually overwinter on elms and the first generation is spent on that host. In early summer winged forms appear, they migrate to apple, hawthorn and related trees. Later in the season some migrate to elms, where the bisexual generation is produced and over wintering eggs laid. Other individuals migrate from the branches of the apple trees to the roots, where they produce gall-like growths. The root-inhabiting forms may remain there for a year or more, passing through several generations.