Balsam Woolly Adelgid vs Rose Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Balsam Woolly Adelgid Rose Aphid
Scientific Name Adelges piceae Macrosiphum rosae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Adelgidae Aphididae
Size 0.5-1 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Worldwide, wherever roses are grown
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Balsam Woolly Adelgid

An invasive European adelgid that kills fir trees in North America. Its feeding causes abnormal wood formation called rotholz.

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Did You Know?

It nearly eliminated Fraser fir from the highest peaks of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Rose Aphid

A large green or pink aphid with long black cornicles (siphunculi) that is the most common aphid pest of roses. It clusters on buds and young shoots, distorting growth.

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Did You Know?

It can exist in green and pink color morphs on the same plant, and the color form may be influenced by crowding density and host plant quality.