Subject: Large abdomen bug with wings
Geographic location of the bug: Southern Alabama, USA
Date: 11/16/2017
Time: 12:10 PM EDT
I’ve scoured the site, but have come up empty. Could you identify this bug? Looks like flight would be impossible, I’m stumped!
How you want your letter signed: Sam
Dear Sam,
This is an Aphid, and after searching BugGuide, we believe it is a Giant Bark Aphid, Longistigma caryae. According to BugGuide: “This is the largest aphid in North America with adults averaging about 1/4 inch long. They also have long legs which makes them appear even larger. Males and some females are winged but egg laying females are wingless. They are brown with black markings (giving them somewhat of a mottled appearance) and have short, black cornicles. When alive they are often partially covered with a bluish white, waxy secretion.” Host trees include: “American elm, pin oak, live oak, post oak, blackjack oak, pecan, hickory, sycamore, and golden rain tree. Other trees which might be infested include maple, basswood, birch, beech, walnut, chestnut, and willow.”
