Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin, 1790)

Morphological characters

3.3-5.8 mm.
Apterous: coppery brown with several rows of black spots and a prominent tubercle on abdomen; cornicles short, conical and pigmented.
Alate: head and thorax dark, abdomen with several rows of black spots and large black tubercle, wings with fine dark pterostigma.

See identification file

Life cycles

Anholocyclic

Host plants

Salix spp, more particularly Salix viminalis (osier).

Particular characteristics

Colonies develop from June on willow branches and trunks. Colonies are extremely dense. This aphid produces enormous amounts of honeydew which is taken away by a whole host of insects: ants, bees, wasps, flies (see 3^rd photo).

Agronomic impact

The occurrence of this aphid can reduce shoot growth and cause damage to osier strands intended for basket weaving.