Chaitophorus tremulae

Chaitophorus tremulae

Description

The apterae of the aphid Chaitophorus tremulae are elongate oval with the dorsum solidly blackish sclerotic, rather densely sculptured with denticular spinules (=small toothlike spines), and very often with a paler line along the mid-dorsum.  More information can be found using the link below.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Please state the host species when submitting records.

Habitat

Well wooded areas, where Aspen is present. 

When to see it

Oviparae and alate males occur in October.

Life History

Aspen leaf aphids live in small colonies on undersides of leaves of Aspen (Populus tremula) and a few related species of Populus. They have also been found in leaves spun together by other insects, or in leaf-nest galls made by another group of aphids (Pemphiginae).

UK Status

Can be locally common in areas of Britain where the host species occur.

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

Additional images

All NatureSpot records