Pemphigus spyrothecae

Pemphigus spyrothecae

Description

Pemphigus spyrothecae is an aphid that causes galls to form in the leaf petioles of its host trees. The galls are seen more often than the aphid.  The galled petioles have 2-3 twists, which loosen up later in the year to release aphids through a slit along the gall.

Similar Species

The rare Pemphigus protospirae has gall with more than 3 twists, and only slight thickening of the petiole. It has not been recorded in VC55

Identification difficulty

Gall Adult

Habitat

Anywhere that poplar trees are present.

When to see it

Galls from June to late autumn.

Life History

It is an aphid that lives in colonies and soldier aphids tend to be located near to the opening of the gall to defend it from predators.

UK Status

Widespread and thought to be fairly frequent in England.

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