This year I thought I’d finish 2021 with something different, an A-to-Z 26-day countdown to the end of the year. So, first up, A is for aphids, a family I intend to look closer at in the coming year. Many species look very similar to each other and so are hard to identify, like these.
But there are other species that are specific to particular plants, like the one shown below. Though my finds haven’t yet been confirmed, from their relatively large size, the fact that I’ve found them twice now on Grey willow, and their markings and the distinctive horny bumps on their rear ends, I’m fairly sure these are Giant willow aphids (Tuberolachnus salignus).
earthstar 
Hi Annie, this post prompted me to write another ‘must do’ for next year. Tricky little ones though to both photograph and identify. I know you’re good at both, but just in case you’re not aware of this terrific aphid resource I thought I’d add a link.
https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphid_genera.htm
All the best, Tony
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Hi Tony. If you have another look at the post, you’ll see I’ve actually linked to that site from my mention of Giant willow aphids. I’ve only recently discovered Influential Points and, as you say, it’s brilliant for information on aphids. I imagine not everyone clicks on the links in the post, so thanks for pointing it out separately in your comment. 🙂
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Oops, that’s a little embarrassing, but taken well – thanks Annie. To make amends have you seen this one:
Click to access AphidsGuide.pdf
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Some great info in that guide, thanks, Tony – just a shame the company only sees aphids as pests, though they do at least discuss natural enemies, not just insecticides.
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