Now That's What I Call an Aphid!

The Giant willow aphid (Tuberolachus salignus) is the 'daddy' of all 'greenfly'. The 'bug' mysteriously disappears in Spring and re-appears at the end of Summer. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are asking UK gardeners to report sightings of this insect (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/12/track-willow-aphid-gardeners-royal-horticultural-society-scientists). The RHS want to try to increase their understanding the lifestyle of this sap-sucker and see whether it's a threat to other plants. Although commonly found (as its name suggests) on Willow, this large aphid has been seen on other trees including apple, cherry and quince.