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Callipterinella calliptera

Black-banded birch aphidb

Description

Callipterinella calliptera, commonly known as the black-banded birch aphid, is a species of aphid that primarily infests birch trees (Betula spp.), including silver birch (Betula pendula) and downy birch (Betula pubescens). This aphid is distributed throughout Europe and has also been introduced to North America. Adult apterae measure between 1.5 to 2.5 mm in length and exhibit a yellowish-green to bluish-green coloration with distinctive dark transverse bands across their bodies. They are often found in ant-attended colonies on young shoots and the undersides of leaves. While their feeding activity involves extracting sap, which can lead to leaf deformation and withering, the intensity of infestation is usually not severe enough to significantly impact the overall health or aesthetic appearance of mature birch trees.

Symptom

Infested birch leaves may exhibit deformation and withering, often accompanied by the presence of sticky honeydew produced by the aphids.

Tree Species: Birch

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes