Giant Willow Aphid

Giant Willow Aphid

It was evident during late summer a honeydew was covering the plants in the understory of the willows and there was considerable bee (not wasp) activity up in the willow canopy.  Since that time it has come to our attention that a Giant Willow Aphid Tuberolachnus salignus  is present in the Waikato. It is now winter so not the time to confirm that they are the cause of the honeydew but we would say it is highly probable. It will be interesting to see if they have any negative effect on the willow population.  If you would like to know more about this aphid click on this link:
http://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/the-essentials/forest-health-pests-and-diseases/Pests/tuberolachnus-salignus-the-giant-willow-aphid/tuberolachnus-salignus-a-new-aphid-on-the-block

Photo:Dense colony of Giant Willow Aphids (image courtesy of Alan Flynn, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand)