Giant Willow Aphid
Tuberolachnus salignus
This record describes Tuberolachnus salignus (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Giant Willow Aphids are dark brown with a peppering of black spots but can appear grey from a white dust which forms on them. It is an unusually large aphid, measuring up to 6mm long. Adults of the species have a thorn-like tubercle which protrudes from its back. As with other species of aphid, some giant willow aphids are winged; an adaptation believed to emerge in reaction to environmental pressures. Found primarily in large colonies on the trunks and branches of willow and sallow trees, the aphids splay their back legs and kick in response to potential threats. Although most common in the summer, this species can be seen in most months of the year, sometimes persisting into the winter. Giant willow aphids appear to reproduce entirely asexually. Thoght to be widespread and fairly frequent in southern Britain at least. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Tuberolachnus_salignus.htm
Wikipedia reference for Tuberolachnus salignus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuberolachnus_salignus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Lachninae
- Tribe
- Lachnini
- Genus
- Tuberolachnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Willows
Seasonal Activity
Although most common in the summer, this species can be seen in most months of the year, sometimes persisting into the winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Giant willow aphids appear to reproduce entirely asexually.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thoght to be widespread and fairly frequent in southern Britain at least.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Tuberolachnus salignus. 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 Giant Willow Aphid (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Willow Aphid
What is Giant Willow Aphid?
Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Giant Willow Aphid found?
Habitat: On Willows
When is Giant Willow Aphid active?
Giant Willow Aphid: seasonal activity - Although most common in the summer, this species can be seen in most months of the year, sometimes persisting into the winter..
What is the life cycle of a Giant Willow Aphid?
Giant willow aphids appear to reproduce entirely asexually.