Euceraphis betulae

This record describes Euceraphis betulae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

E. betulae is mainly green in colour but the body of the adult aphids is dusted with a pale bluish wax, which may also form a furry coating on the antennae and legs. A very similar species, Euceraphis punctipennis, is found on Downy Birch and detailed examination is needed to separate them. This species produces several generations of young each year. In summer all the adults are winged females that are produced without mating - parthenogenesis. They are very active and fly when disturbed. In autumn, when winged males and wingless egg-laying females are produced, sexual reproduction occurs and eggs are laid which survive over winter. In warm dry spells the aphids can build up large populations on the trees' leaves and rain droplets of sticky honeydew down onto anything or anyone underneath. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Euceraphis_betulae_Silver_birch_aphid.htm

Identification notes

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Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Aphididae
Genus: Euceraphis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

On Silver Birch (

Seasonal Activity

Spring to autumn.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Common and widespread in Britain.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Euceraphis betulae. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →