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Thecabius affinis

Poplar – buttercup gall-aphid

Description

Poplar – buttercup gall-aphid Thecabius affinis is a gall-forming aphid specialized on poplars (genus Populus), particularly species and hybrids in the section Aigeiros and Tacamahaca. It is monophagous and develops exclusively on trees from the Salicaceae family. The life cycle begins in spring with the fundatrix creating a small, downward-rolled gall along the leaf margin. Later generations produce galls by folding the leaf halves downward over the midrib, often accompanied by yellowish to reddish blistering on the leaf surface. The species is distributed in temperate regions of Europe, mainly in urban plantings and along watercourses. While it does not cause significant harm to tree health, large infestations may impair ornamental value due to leaf deformation and discolouration.

Symptom

Leaf margins curled downward into narrow galls; leaf surface with yellow to reddish blister-like swellings.

Tree Species: Poplar

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes