Tuliptree Aphid

Environmental conditions coupled with biological properties have conspired to make this “The Year of the Aphid” with honeydew spewed onto leaves, stems, sidewalks, cars, etc., across Ohio. There have been a number of BYGL Alerts posted thus far this season that have highlighted the unusually heavy aphid populations across a wide range of plants.

2023 is shaping up to be “The Year of the Aphid.” At least, in southwest Ohio. I’ve already posted BYGL Alerts on aphids titled, Sticky, Dripping European Beech, and Sticky, Dripping Oaks. This Alert will be the third in the “Sticky, Dripping” series.

A question about flies buzzing a tuliptree prompted a site visit that revealed honeydew produced by tuliptree aphids was responsible for fly-by. However, the flies weren't untouched free-loaders. There were being infected by a fly-killing fungus.