Silver Birch Aphid

Euceraphis betulae

TQ4792 07/05/2025 ©Raymond Small

As its name implies this species is found on silver birch. Mainly green, however the body, antennae and legs of the adults may be coated in pale-blue wax giving a furry appearance. Several generations appear each year from spring to autumn. During summer all the adults are winged females that reproduce without mating in a process known as parthenogenesis. In autumn sexual reproduction takes place between winged males and wingless egg-laying females. The eggs overwinter and hatch the following spring.

TQ4792 07/05/2025 ©Raymond Small

Silver birch leaves can get very sticky due to honeydew produced by these aphids.

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