Drepanosiphum platanoidis

Alternative names
Common Sycamore Aphid
Description

In this species all adult forms are winged, and range in size from 3.2 to 4.3 mm long. They have red eyes, a brown thorax, and a pale green abdomen. The upper surface of the abdomen has up to 5 or 6 variably developed dark cross-bars. Early in the year these cross bars may be reduced or absent altogether. The two tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end are pale, long and thick. Nymphs lack wings and are all green.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

This aphid spends all year on Sycamore but has also been recorded from many other Acer spp., but these are apparently only visited on a casual basis.

When to see it

Late spring to late autumn

Life History

This species overwinters as eggs placed in bark crevices and behind buds. The eggs hatch in early spring, and there is a migration in late spring/early summer.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain though poorly recorded.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Bugs
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Aphididae
Records on NatureSpot:
37
First record:
05/10/2009 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
29/10/2024 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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