Linden aphid
Eucallipterus tiliae
7 host plants
Last updated
You will find green aphids with black markings clustered on the undersides of linden leaves in late spring through summer. Look for yellowing foliage and honeydew dripping onto surfaces below affected trees. Leaf curling and distortion develop when populations peak. Host trees include American linden, small-leaved linden, and silver linden.
Prune lightly infested shoots and avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes aphid reproduction. Hose off colonies with water to reduce populations. Encourage natural enemies by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. Do not spray when trees are blooming, as linden attracts bees. Dormant oil in late winter suppresses overwintering nymphs if prior infestations were severe.
Quick Reference
All these aphids are light green in color. Spirea aphid is very difficult to separate from apple aphid without high magnification, whereas apple grain aphid can be distinguished by a yellowish green stripe down the middle of the back. Apple grain aphids infest pear only in the early part of the season, while apple aphid is present all summer. Aphids suck plant sap and live in colonies on new shoots. Populations are damaging only sporadically. Damage appears as rolled leaves, stunted terminal...
Cultural Controls
- Wash trees with a strong stream of water to knock down aphids and wash away honeydew.
- Hand-wipe or prune to control small, localized infestations (when practical).
- Encourage aphid predators and parasites, including ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
- Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which may kill these beneficial insects.
- Provide proper nutrition.
- High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction.