πŸ› True Bugs

Woolly Apple Aphid

Eriosoma lanigerum

About Woolly Apple Aphid

An aphid covered in waxy white filaments that forms colonies on apple tree bark and roots. Heavy infestations cause gall-like swellings on branches and roots.

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Did You Know?

It alternates between elm trees in spring and apple trees in summer across its complex life cycle.

How to Identify Woolly Apple Aphid

Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Aphididae. Adults typically measure 1-2 mm.

Woolly Apple Aphid Habitat

Woolly Apple Aphid is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Cosmopolitan in temperate regions. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Woolly Apple Aphid Diet and Feeding

Woolly Apple Aphid induces galls on plants and feeds within them. Gall-making insects trigger abnormal plant growth that provides both food and shelter for their developing larvae.

Where Is Woolly Apple Aphid Found?

Woolly Apple Aphid can be found in Cosmopolitan in temperate regions, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Woolly Apple Aphid can be found

Is Woolly Apple Aphid Dangerous?

Woolly Apple Aphid is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Woolly Apple Aphid Role in Nature

Woolly Apple Aphid is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Woolly Apple Aphid

What does Woolly Apple Aphid look like?

The Woolly Apple Aphid typically measures 1-2 mm.

Where is Woolly Apple Aphid found?

The Woolly Apple Aphid is found in Cosmopolitan in temperate regions and typically inhabits orchards environments.

What does Woolly Apple Aphid eat?

The Woolly Apple Aphid induces galls on plants and feeds within them.

Is Woolly Apple Aphid dangerous to humans?

The Woolly Apple Aphid is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Woolly Apple Aphid?

It alternates between elm trees in spring and apple trees in summer across its complex life cycle.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Woolly Apple Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/woolly-apple-aphid

MLA:
"Woolly Apple Aphid." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/woolly-apple-aphid.