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  • Introduction

    • Rothamsted Insect Survey,
    Department of Plant and Invertebrate Ecology,
    Rothamsted Research,
    Harpenden,
    Hertfordshire,
    AL5 2JQ
    Tel: + 44 (0) 1582 763 133
    Fax: + 44 (0) 1582 760 981

    		 
    Drepanosiphum platanoidis
    Drepanosiphum platanoidis

    Sycamore aphid

    Appearance

    In this species all adult forms are winged, and range in size from 3.2 - 4.3 mm long. They have a yellow-brown head and thorax, and a pale green abdomen. The upper surface of the abdomen has up to 5 or 6 variably developed dark cross-bars. Early in the year these cross bars may be reduced or absent altogether. The two tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end are pale, long and thick, with an apical flange preceded by a ring-like constriction. The tail (cauda) is also pale and 'knobbed' in shape.

    Host plants/Life cycle

    This aphid spends all year on sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), but has also been recorded from many other Acer spp., but these are apparently only visited on a casual basis. This species overwinters as eggs placed in bark crevices and behind buds. The eggs hatch in early spring, and there is a migration in late spring/early summer. The aphids colonise the underside of the leaves of sycamore, preferring leaves principally in shade. Large numbers can build up, but never into dense colonies, always evenly spaced ('spaced-out aggregations'). The individuals sit just close enough so as to reach their neighbours with their antennae and so register any disturbance. The reproduction is low in mid summer, but an autumn flight occurs in late September/October as individuals move to the overwintering sites on branches and trunks.

    Pest status/damage

    This aphid is of no agricultural importance, but it can be of nuisance value for anything placed under sycamore trees. It excretes copious amounts of honeydew, which collects to form a sticky film on any surface immediately below, and can subsequently result in 'sooty' moulds growing on this sugary film.

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