For our insect of the week, March 17, 2025, we focus on woolly aphids. These can be a real scourge to gardeners. They are often “hiding in plain sight.” For example in my candle nut tree (Aleurites moluccanus). In the example here, you see an individual covered with a waxy white covering (hence the common name). They are classified in the insect order Hemiptera, family Aphididae subfamily Eriosomatinae. I suspect this is Eriosoma lanigerum, but it is often difficult to determine species without dissecting the specimen.

To feed, adults and nymphs insert their mouthparts into plant tissues and withdraw sap. Usually in copious quantities since plant sap is full of sugars and water, but amino acids and other nutrients are sparse. The insects excrete the excess water and sugars in the form of “honeydew.” This often attracts ants which imbibe the free sweets. Although this does not look like an insect, there is one hiding under the way filaments. Check your houseplants, you may have similar insects hiding in plain sight.