European Elm Leafcurl Aphid
Eriosoma ulmi
This record describes Eriosoma ulmi (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eriosoma ulmi is a greyish waxy aphid that causes a leaf roll gall to form on the leaves of Elm. One half of the Elm leaf blade crinkles and rolls in to form a tubular pouch. The gall is seen more often than the aphid. Other Eriosoma species can cause leaf blisters and distortions on elm. The presence of wax inside the gall should distinguish E ulmi from the very similar E grossulariae State host and provide photos of the gall AND the aphids inside, showing presence of wax. Gall is found on Elm leaves and is especially noticeable on Wych Elm. Gall on Elm appears from May onwards and can then be found whilst Elm remains in leaf. Numerous waxy aphids develop in the pouch galls in spring and early summer. Winged aphids (all females) leave the pouch in June and July and fly to currant bushes where they live and reproduce on the roots, returning to the Elm in autumn. Common and widespread but under recorded in Britain. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Eriosoma_ulmi_Elm-currant_aphid.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Gall is found on Elm leaves and is especially noticeable on Wych Elm.
Seasonal Activity
Gall on Elm appears from May onwards and can then be found whilst Elm remains in leaf.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Numerous waxy aphids develop in the pouch galls in spring and early summer. Winged aphids (all females) leave the pouch in June and July and fly to currant bushes where they live and reproduce on the roots, returning to the Elm in autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread but under recorded in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Eriosoma ulmi. 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 European Elm Leafcurl Aphid (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About European Elm Leafcurl Aphid
What is European Elm Leafcurl Aphid?
European Elm Leafcurl Aphid (Eriosoma ulmi) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is European Elm Leafcurl Aphid found?
Habitat: Gall is found on Elm leaves and is especially noticeable on Wych Elm.
When is European Elm Leafcurl Aphid active?
European Elm Leafcurl Aphid: seasonal activity - Gall on Elm appears from May onwards and can then be found whilst Elm remains in leaf..
What is the life cycle of a European Elm Leafcurl Aphid?
Numerous waxy aphids develop in the pouch galls in spring and early summer. Winged aphids (all females) leave the pouch in June and July and fly to currant bushes where they live and reproduce on the roots, returning to the Elm in autumn.