Beech Blight Aphids

The aphids are a light bluish color with bodies covered with long, white, waxy filaments giving them a woolly appearance. Very high numbers can be seen on individual branches, sometimes extending onto leaves. Infested trees may appear to have their branches and twigs covered with snow. They feed on the sap of American beech trees. The aphids form dense colonies on small branches and the undersides of leaves.

This aphid has a defensive behavior in that it raises the posterior end of its body and sways from side to side when disturbed. Many aphids performing this action at the same time has led to this species being referred to as the "Boogie-Woogie Aphid".