Species: Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)
Family: Aphids (APHIDIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: SW
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Aphids (APHIDIDAE)
Aphids form a very large insect family of sap-suckers. They are generally considered to be a pest although in their abundance they provide nourishment for countless larger insects and birds. They are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects. Aphids are usually green, but can be red, brown and even white.
C. Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)
The Giant Willow Aphid is an unusually large aphid, up to 6 millimetres long. They are dark brown with black spots. Adults have thorn-like dorsal 'tubercles' that protrude from their backs. Some adults of this species are winged, others are wingless. They are found in colonies on willow and sallow trees, including the Goat Willow, of which there are several specimens in the Cemetery.
Images
Giant Willow Aphid
Adult Giant Willow Aphids have thorn-like dorsal 'tubercles' that protrude from their backs, as can be seen clearly in this photograph. Some adults of this species are winged, others are wingless (like this one).
(Photo credit: Stuart MA Ball.)
