Plocamaphis flocculosa
This record describes Plocamaphis flocculosa (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
These are large grey aphids 3.1 - 5.0 mm in length. The head and legs are dark and there are two rows of dark spots running down the back. The insect is almost completely covered in whitish wax secretions. The siphunculi are bright orange. They feed on the branches and trunks of Salix species (S. caprea, S. cinerea, S. nigricans and S. repens). This species often forms mixed colonies with the larger Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) so if you find one it is always worth checking for the other. Difficult to assess as there are very few records. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Plocamaphis_flocculosa_large_waxy_willow_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
- Plocamaphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They feed on the branches and trunks of Salix species (S. caprea, S. cinerea, S. nigricans and S. repens).
Seasonal Activity
Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species often forms mixed colonies with the larger Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) so if you find one it is always worth checking for the other.
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 Plocamaphis flocculosa. 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 Plocamaphis flocculosa (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Plocamaphis flocculosa
What is Plocamaphis flocculosa?
Plocamaphis flocculosa is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Plocamaphis flocculosa found?
Habitat: They feed on the branches and trunks of Salix species (S. caprea, S. cinerea, S. nigricans and S. repens).
When is Plocamaphis flocculosa active?
Plocamaphis flocculosa: seasonal activity - Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Plocamaphis flocculosa?
This species often forms mixed colonies with the larger Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) so if you find one it is always worth checking for the other.