Woolly apple aphid, Eriosoma lanigerum - Host plants

Apple is the preferred host of woolly apple aphid and it occurs on only a restricted number of other deciduous trees and shrubs. American elm is the primary (winter) host of the woolly apple aphid in its area of origin in eastern North America. Winged females from apple migrate to this host in the late summer and autumn where they produce (asexually) live wingless male and female young. These grow to adults, mate and lay eggs on the elm trees. This winter cycle has not been recorded in New Zealand.

Apple rootstocks resistant to woolly apple aphid have been used commercially for many years and they make a major contribution to cultural control. They are also compatible with biological control by natural enemies.