Bow-legged fir aphid
15 host plants
Last updated
Data Coverage 1 of 6 dimensions
On silver fir, grand fir, white fir, and other true firs, look for blue-gray or blackish aphids clustered on twig terminals in spring and summer. Infested foliage will be sticky with honeydew; sooty mold may coat areas. The distinctive bent-leg posture of these larger conifer aphids makes them recognizable on new growth.
Water spray can dislodge light populations but may be impractical for tall trees. Horticultural oil applied in March targets overwintering nymphs on bark. If populations persist on accessible branches, insecticidal soap applied in May or June provides control. Preserve natural predators by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. Damage mostly cosmetic.
Quick Reference
Host Plants
15
Cultural Controls
- biological control Many parasites and predators attack aphid.
- Monitor the proportion of aphid mummies to unparasitized adults and the number of predators such as lady beetles.
- If the biocontrol agents appear to be gaining control, avoid sprays which would disrupt this system.
- Most products available for aphid control are highly disruptive of natural enemies.
- Management-cultural control Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants that are fertilized liberally with nitrogen.
- Prune out suckers...
Host Plants (15)
Abies alba European Silver Fir, Common Silver Fir Abies amabilis Pacific Silver Fir Abies balsamea Balsam Fir Abies concolor White Fir, Colorado Fir Abies delavayi Delavay's Fir Abies grandis Grand Fir Abies koreana Korean Fir Abies lasiocarpa Subalpine Fir Rocky Mountain Fir, Alpine Fir Abies magnifica California Red Fir, Red Fir, Slivertip Fir Abies nordmanniana Nordmann Fir, Caucasian Fir Abies numidica Algerian Fir Abies pindrow West Himalayan Fir, Pindrow Fir Abies pinsapo Spanish Fir, Spanish Pin Fir Abies pinsapo subsp. marocana Moroccan Fir Abies procera Noble Fir