Sycamore (Platanus)-Aphid

Includes Drepanosiphum platanoidis

Pest description and damage Several species of aphids can become a problem for sycamores. Aphids tend to be small (0.0625 to 0.125 inch in length), oval to pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Color varies, but most aphids tend to match host plant coloration. Aphids tend to feed in colonies and are found on the most succulent plant tissues. Feeding damage to trees is usually minor but can compromise the vigor of the host when aphid populations are high. Aphids produce honeydew that supports growth of a black sooty mold fungus. In addition to cosmetics, honeydew may become a sticky nuisance when it falls on decks, cars, or other landscape surfaces.

For biology, life history, monitoring and management

See "Aphid" in:

Management-chemical control

See Table 1 in: