Woolly aphids

These feed mainly on aphids, woolly aphids and scale insects, and also on some species of spider mites and mildew fungi. 

Apple aphids, woolly, 269 Apple maggots, 22,23,270,270 traps for, 429,434... 

Cameron, D.W. and Drake, C. B. (1976). Colouring matters of the Aphidoidea. XL. The external wax of the woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum (Hemiptera Insecta). Aust. J. Chem., 29, 2713-2721. 

B9 (Budagovsky) Russia (M8 X Red Standard] > M9 Frost-hardy, better colour development, resistant to collar rot Less productive than M9, susceptible to fireblight and woolly aphid. Smaller fruit Rapid spring development... 

Chalcidid wasps parasitize leafroller eggs and caterpillars, codling moth caterpillars, plum leafroller caterpillars, fruit tortricid caterpillars, San Jose scale, woolly aphids and small ermine moths. 

Woolly aphid predator wasp up to 90% parasitization in autumn... 

APPEARANCE. Aphid reddish brown aphids about 2 mm in size, with white, woolly wax secretions a red juice is excreted when the aphids are squashed. 

Fig. 5. 33. Life cycle of woolly aphid [Eriosoma lanigerum).

Wounds (e.g. due to hail) can lead to a very marked increase in woolly aphid infestation. 

NATURE OF DAMAGE. Woolly aphid colonies can be recognized by their strong wax secretions. If infestation is severe there are abrasions and lesions on the bark (woolly aphid galls). There is soiling because of the sucking and subsequent honeydew secretion of the aphids. 

ENEMIES. The most important enemy is the wasp-like insect Aphelinus mali. This parasitoid has a higher temperature requirement than the woolly aphid and is therefore not as common in the spring. As temperatures rise, the development of the parasitoid proceeds faster, and para-sitization levels of up to 90% can be achieved by the autumn. Parasitized aphids do not have the typical wax covering, and the opening where the parasitoid has hatched can be seen in the dead aphids. Aphelinus mali is sensitive to high levels of sulphur, however. 

Reduce shoot growth vigorous shoot growth encourages woolly aphids. 

Fig. 5.34. Woolly aphid colony with the typical wax covering.

Very slow action, so spraying to control woolly aphid needs to be... 

Woolly adelgids, Tsujta and, 241 Woolly apple aphids, 269 Woollybears, 336-37,336 Wormwood. See Artemisia... 

Eagar, C. 1984. Review of the biology and ecology of the balsam woolly aphid in Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests. In P. S. White (ed.). The Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir Ecosystem its Biology and Threats. USDI National Park Service, Research/Resource Mgt. Rep. SER-71. p. 36-50. 

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