Wild Service Aphid - Dysaphis aucupariae

Description

Apterae of the aphid Dysaphis aucupariae cause pseudogalls on the leaves of Wild Service-tree (Sorbus torminalis) The pseudogall is initially pale yellow green, but soon becomes tinged with red. Its form is somewhat variable, either curled from the leaf apex to the base or laterally (from the sides of the leaf inwards). The aphids, ± 2.5 mm long, are dark greyish green, powdered with copious wax.

This may not be a true gall, and other aphids may curl, roll or distort the leaves.  

Identification difficulty

Adult

Recording advice

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. 

Habitat

Where Wild Service-tree (Sorbus torminalis) is occurs - (only rarely found on S. aucuparia).

When to see it

In April the fundatrices of Dysaphis aucupariae stimulate the development of rolled pseudogalls on the leaves of Wild Service-tree (Sorbus torminalis).

UK Status

Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

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:
1
First record:
07/05/2019 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
07/05/2019 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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