Large Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)
The UK and some say the world's) largest aphid species at 4-5mm. An interesting species, no male has ever been spotted, and may not exist, as the females are born pregnant. This means that the young are genetically identical to their mother. They feed not on the leaves or younger growth on willow trees, preferring to feed through the bark of slightly older branches, and during the late summer/autumn often attract wasps with the large amount of honeydew they produce. They are also the only aphid species with the 'shark's fin' tubercles. It's not known what purpose it serves, although it is uunlikely to be defensive, because as they are willow feeders they are highly toxic! These were on an information board, as usual a rich source of invertebrate life.
Large Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus)
The UK and some say the world's) largest aphid species at 4-5mm. An interesting species, no male has ever been spotted, and may not exist, as the females are born pregnant. This means that the young are genetically identical to their mother. They feed not on the leaves or younger growth on willow trees, preferring to feed through the bark of slightly older branches, and during the late summer/autumn often attract wasps with the large amount of honeydew they produce. They are also the only aphid species with the 'shark's fin' tubercles. It's not known what purpose it serves, although it is uunlikely to be defensive, because as they are willow feeders they are highly toxic! These were on an information board, as usual a rich source of invertebrate life.