Beech blight aphid

Taxobox | name = Beech blight aphid
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Hemiptera
familia = Aphididae
genus = "Grylloprociphilus"
species = "G. imbricator"
binomial = "Grylloprociphilus imbricator"
binomial_authority = (Fitch, 1851)

The beech blight aphid ("Grylloprociphilus imbricator") is an aphid that feeds on the sap of beech trees. They form dense colonies on small branches and the undersides of leaves. Their bodies are covered with long, white, waxy filaments.

The aphids first become apparent in early August and as populations continue to grow they become increasingly noticeable. Very high numbers can be seen on individual branches, sometimes extending onto leaves, with lots of sooty mold built up below. They do not usually cause much damage to overall tree health, but we occasionally see dieback on very heavily infested branches. It can sometimes kill twigs if heavily infested, but usually damage to the tree is minor. The aphids can be blasted off with a jet of water or they can be controlled with any sprays labeled for aphids. A wetting agent should be included to help penetrate the waxy coating.

External links

* [http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/fact_sheets/piercing_sucking/beech_blight_aphid.pdf UMass Blight Information]
* [http://branchingout.cornell.edu/2006/BO13(9)/13(9)Feature.html]