Includes giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)
Pest description and damage There are several species of aphids known to feed on the foliage, stems, flowers, or bark of willows. The largest of these soft-bodied piercing-sucking insects is the giant willow aphid at 0.2 inch in length. This aphid has a dark body that appears gray due to the many hairs; it also has conspicuous dorsal tubercles. This insect forms large colonies on the bark of willow, often concentrated close to the ground. Damage seems minimal. There are other aphid species that infest willows. They vary by color patterns and preferences for feeding on bark, leaves, branches, or new growth. Some produce more honeydew and some are regularly tended by ants.
For biology, life history, monitoring and management
See "Aphid" in:
Management-chemical control
See Table 1 in: