Identification
This aphid can be identified by its host plant, young Cottonwood trees. They spend their whole life cycle on Cottonwoods and Poplars. They are shown in various states of development, to include some with wings.
This aphid was abundant on Cottonwood saplings in 2012, after the floodplain was flooded and numerous Cottonwood saplings had emerged. As with other aphids, they are tended for their sweet excreted honeydew by ants. These aphids have never been encountered in the wild without attending ants.
The poplar leaf aphid occurs throughout North America. It is considered to be common in eastern Nebraska. One authoritative source notes Chaitophorus populicola is more likely a ‘species complex’ than a single species.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.