NC State Extension Publications

Description and Biology

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One of the most common aphid pests of willow is the giant willow aphid, Tuberolachnus salignus. This is one of our largest aphids. Adults are about ¼ inch long. These gray aphids have rows of small black spots down the body with three conspicuous larger black spots toward the tail. The middle spot is actually a raised cone that from the side resembles a shark fin (hence another common name: shark bug ). The antennae are relatively short, just half the body length. Nymphs are smaller but resemble their mothers and aunts. Giant willow aphids often appear in mid summer and become abundant in late summer or fall. Aphid populations often increase dramatically because they reproduce parthenogenetically (no males) and because they migrate into new areas from time to time. Each aphid can produce about 30 nymphs. Giant bark aphids are tolerant of cold temperatures and persist on willow bark well into February. Where they survive from late winter until mid summer is not known.

Giant willow aphids

Giant willow aphids grow to about 1/4 inch long.

giant willow aphids

Some giant willow aphids develop wings as they grow.

Host Plants

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Appropriately enough, giant willow aphids readily infest most species of willow but sometimes spill over onto poplar.

Residential Recommendations

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In warm weather, parasitic wasps, lady beetles, hover fly maggots, lace wings and other predaceous insects feed on aphids so that aphid populations often decrease rapidly as the weather warms up. Aphid populations are sometimes devastated by Cephalosporium lecanii, a fungus that infects aphids as a sort of super athletes' foot. This fungus is apparently more active in warm weather. For "organic" control of aphids, use an insecticidal soap or one of the horticultural oils. Because sooty molds grow in honeydew excreted by aphids consider using one of the horticultural oil because oils tend to cause the sooty molds to weather away more rapidly than do other pesticides. Systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid might be appropriate for some situations.

Giant willow aphids are sometimes a nuisance away from the tree.

Giant willow aphids are sometimes a nuisance away from the tree.

References

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For assistance with a specific problem, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension Center.

This Factsheet has not been peer reviewed.

Author

Professor Emeritus
Entomology

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Publication date: July 27, 2016
Revised: May 11, 2021

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