David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital
Video Images
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Bugs 28 – Giant Willow Aphids
GIANT WILLOW APHIDS Tuberolachnis
salignus
GIANT WILLOW APHIDS Tuberolachnis salignus GIANT
WILLOW APHIDS Tuberolachnis salignus
GIANT WILLOW APHID Tuberolachnis salignus
·
As
there are more than six hundred species of aphids in the British Isles
it was something of a relief to be able to photograph such a readily
recognisable and distinctive (both in terms of size and appearance) example as
the Giant Willow Aphid Tuberolachnis
salignus. Generally, these
homopteran bugs are the preserve of those expert entomologists equipped to
identify them by studying their morphology and comparing it with illustrations
in entomological keys (or perhaps these days by comparing DNA samples). Note
that not all species are associated with a single host plant. As a non-aphid
expert, the author would suggest that readers utilise this useful reference: https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Identify_the_most_commonly_seen_British_aphids.htm. Often, aphids are small, similar in general appearance, and
most easily identifiable by using a combination of magnification and a
knowledge of the hostplant. Taking photographs may not be of great value for
identification in many cases, but T. salignus
is a notable exception. Certain parts of the life-history are poorly understood.
Winged adult females (alates) may be seen in one of these photographs, and
these presumably participate in the wider dispersal of an otherwise sedentary
insect. Aphids are an extremely important part of the food-chain for
insectivorous birds and predatory insects. T. salignus
breeds prolifically when conditions are suitable by parthenogenesis, giving
birth to tiny nymphs, so no eggs are produced or laid. Males are unknown, so
the offspring are essentially clones of their mothers. These aphids are said to
disappear completely between April and June – of course, they must be secreted
away somewhere well hidden, but nobody appears to have discovered where this is
yet. There are plenty of fissures in Willow bark, they could bury themselves in
soil, moss or fungi, or perhaps the winged adult forms may fly up to the
treetops. All speculation, but a discovery waiting to be made - they are a
little on the small side for radio-collars!
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