Origin:
The tulip tree is native to the eastern U.S., so the aphid presumably also is a native species, now found throughout North America wherever these popular shade trees grow.
Biology:
While the tree can withstand heavy populations of the aphids, feeding on the lower surface of the wide leaves, the primary complaint is the heavy production of honeydew. With large aphid populations the effect is to have the honeydew “raining” down from the tree, coating all surfaces below with a solid, sticky layer of the material. Since tulip trees are favorites along sidewalks and in parks this creates problems for cars and people in the area.
Identification:
These are small to medium sized aphids, light green in color, with nymphs, wingless adults and winged adults occurring together in large masses on the undersides of tulip tree leaves. The legs, cornicles, and very long antennae are dark.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Control is only necessary where the honeydew is creating a problem, in which case a foliar spray with a labeled insecticide, targeting the undersides of the leaves, will be effective. A soil application of imidacloprid, applied in late winter, will also effectively kill the feeding aphids.
