These aphids feed on a variety of trees found in our two nature centers, including oak and hickory.  The females lay their eggs late in the fall in crevices of tree limbs, where they overwinter.  They are probably common in this area although they are seldom seen.

During the late summer and autumn months, numerous specimens feeding on branches excrete large amounts of honeydew that can form a sticky coating on automobiles, picnic tables, lawn furniture, and plants underneath trees where the aphids are feeding. Sooty mold, which is grey-black in color, soon begins to grow on the sugar-rich honeydew.  While sooty mold does not directly damage plants, it blocks sunlight and disrupts photosynthesis, contributing to reduce plant vigor.