September 2026 (archived from 2022)

Have you ever seen a patch of shadowed spots underneath beech trees?  Look up and on the branches you may see something amazing!  The Beech Blight Aphid, Grylloprociphilus imbricator, or Wooly Aphid, gathers in large colonies that can cover the branches with what looks like snow.  Their “wool” is actually wax filaments that stick out from the abdomen.  The Beech Blight Aphid is found from Maine to Florida, feeding on plant sap of the beech tree.  Depending on their location, this aphid species can also be found on Bald Cypress roots.  The aphid produces sticky honeydew which is expelled onto foliage, plants, the ground, and branches.  The shadowed spots on the ground are Sooty molds (Scorias spongiosa fungus) which colonize the aphid's honeydew and convert it into a black color.  The aphids do not cause much damage to the overall tree health.

What is fantastical is that these creatures appear to be dancing.  Aka boogie-woogie aphid!  The Beech Blight Aphid will raise its hind end and sway! When disturbed, the whole colony will produce this action which creates a dance-like movement.  VIDEO