Over the last couple of evenings I’ve noticed a massive flight of woolly aphids both in Courtenay and today up at my mother-in-law’s house in Black Creek. I’ve managed to get a few decent images of these white furred aphids (though they are quite small). I initially thought that they were possibly the Hackberry Woolly Aphid (Shivaphis celti) but now think that they are more likely Woolly Apple Aphids (Eriosoma lanigerum). This would fit better with the available food plants in town since apple and other fruit trees are common. However, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands the woolly apple aphid does not have a winged form in BC. If there are any aphid experts out there that can confirm or refute this identification I’d be happy to hear from you!

It’s been fascinating watching these aphids taking their early evening flights during these last few warm fall days. The spiders seem to be enjoying them as well.