Betulaphis quadrituberculata

Betulaphis quadrituberculata

Alternative names
Small Downy Birch Aphid
Description

Betulaphis quadrituberculata apterae are pale yellowish green but sometimes almost white. In autumn they may have patches of darker pigment. The antennae are shorter than the body. The sexual forms (oviparae) which develop in late autumn are dark brown in colour and rather unusual in shape because the posterior abdominal segment behind the siphunculi appear as an elongate ovipositor-like structure.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

It is best to get expert confirmation of species identification before submitting a record.

Habitat

Usually found on the undersides of Downy Birch leaves, but may also use Silver Birch and very occasionally Grey Alder.

When to see it

Spring to late autumn.

Life History

Betulaphis quadrituberculata overwinters in the egg stage on birch trees. The eggs hatch in spring and the young nymphs feed on the underside of the leaves.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to establish due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded 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

Additional images

No additional images available for this species.

All NatureSpot records