Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid
ExploreInsects
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid
Thecabius populimonilis
The Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid is a tiny insect that makes round, bead-like galls on cottonwood trees. These galls are like little homes for the aphids, where they can stay safe and feed on the tree's juices.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid is a tiny, soft-bodied insect, typically yellowish-green in color. Its pear-shaped body is often hidden inside distinctive, bead-like growths on cottonwood leaves. These aphids lack prominent wings in their gall-dwelling stage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyAphididaeGenusThecabius
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Some aphid babies are born already pregnant!
These aphids create their own living 'house' inside a leaf!
They change forms throughout their life, like a secret identity!
They drink sugary sap like tiny juice boxes!
Special abilities
Ability
Gall Architect
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid can create protective galls because of special chemicals injected into leaves that force the tree to grow a shelter.
Ability
Rapid Reproduction
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid can multiply quickly because females can reproduce without a mate, filling galls with many offspring.
Ability
Plant Manipulator
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid has the ability to manipulate cottonwood plants by forcing them to grow a home for its colony.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 1-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 1000
Diet & Feeding
These tiny insects drink the sugary sap directly from cottonwood leaves, their leafy homes.
Primary Foods
- cottonwood sap
- plant sugars
- tree phloem
Ecological connections
depends_on
Eastern Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
relies on for food and to create its protective gall.
eats
Convergent Lady Beetle
Hippodamia convergens
preys on aphids, helping control their populations.
eats
Common Green Lacewing
Chrysoperla carnea
larvae are voracious predators of aphids.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Aphidius colemani
lays eggs inside the aphid, leading to its demise.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's best to look at insects from a distance and not touch them, as some can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid?
Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.
How big is Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid?
1-3 mm
How long does Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid live?
20-30 days
What does Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid eat?
These tiny insects drink the sugary sap directly from cottonwood leaves, their leafy homes.
Where is Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid have?
6
How large are Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid colonies?
1000
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