I may have shown you this before, but I'm always on the lookout for something interesting to write about, so I'm going to tell you (again) about beech blight aphids, Grylloprociphilus imbricator.  We saw this in the park last week.

 

See how the small branches look like they are covered with snow?  It is a species of aphid that feeds on the sap of American beech trees.  As a secondary host, they also feed on the roots of Baldcypress trees.  I have read that they are not that detrimental to the overall health of the trees, causing only small dieback on the affected branches.  

 

The interesting thing is this:  as a defense mechanism, when threatened the aphids wiggle.  Because of this, they are referred to as "Boogie-Woogie aphids."  We touched a few, and they did it!!!  Hahaha!  Thought you'd like that.  I did.

 

Maybe you will see some in your travels.

 

 

HAPPY ALMOST FALL!!!