Hyadaphis tataricae

Honeysuckle aphid damage. Photo: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.
Scientific Name: 
Hyadaphis tataricae
Common Name: 
Honeysuckle Aphid
Growing Degree Days (GDD's): 
None available at this time.
Host Plant(s) Common Name (Scientific Name): 
Blueleaf honeysuckle (Lonicera korolkowii)
Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
Small-leaved honeysuckle (Lonicera microphylla)
Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tartarica)
Insect Description: 

This European species of aphid was first detected in North America in Quebec in 1976 and Illinois in 1981. Since, it has been detected in New England and spread rapidly elsewhere in the United States, likely anywhere bush honeysuckle are grown. Honeysuckle aphids overwinter as eggs which are laid in the fall on shoots, twigs, and small stems of their host plants. At budbreak in the spring, eggs hatch and stem mothers develop from these eggs. Stem mothers give birth, asexually, to large amounts of living young. Stem mothers and their offspring feed on the undersides of leaves on new shoots in the spring. Second and subsequent generations of honeysuckle aphids are found feeding on the upper surfaces of host plant leaves, which causes them to curl upward. Aphids are then found within these folded leaves. Summertime aphids are approximately 2 mm in length, pale green or cream colored, with a fine powdery waxy coating over their bodies. Winged males and wingless females are found in September.

Damage to Host: 

Interestingly, the aphids of this species have a toxin or plant growth regulator in their saliva, the reaction to which causes the injury to its host. The plant responds with very short shoot elongation, dormant buds growing into witches' brooms, and dwarf leaves folding upwards at the midvein. Leaves may also fade to a light green and witches' brooms typically succumb to frost kill. Lonicera korolkowii, L. microphylla, and L. tartarica are known to produce witches' brooms in response to honeysuckle aphid feeding.

Monitoring: 

Oval, black eggs may be found on twigs and shoots from fall to budbreak. Green-colored aphids may be found on the newly opened leaves of host plants in the spring. Look for stunted and curled leaves. 

Cultural Management: 

Prune off and destroy witches' brooms. Some studies suggest that certain honeysuckle cultivars are resistant, however because of the confusion that exists in honeysuckle taxonomy, ascertaining which can be difficult.

Natural Enemies & Biological Control: 

Several predators are listed for honeysuckle aphids, however they are not thought to be effective at preventing damage done by this insect in managed landscapes. Predators of these aphids include but are not limited to: Episyrphus balteatus (hoverfly), Eupeodes corollae (hoverfly), Oenopia conglobata (ladybeetle), and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (ladybeetle). Parasitoid wasps in the genus Aphelinus have also been reported (Invasive Species Compendium; CABI). 

Chemical Management: 

Abamectin (NL)

Acephate (NL)

Acetamiprid (L)

Azadirachtin (eggs) (NL)

Beauveria bassiana (NL)

Bifenthrin (NL)

Chlorantraniliprole (NL)

Chlorpyrifos (N)

Chromobacterium subtsugae (NL)

Clothianidin (NL)

Cyantraniliprole (NL)

Cyfluthrin (NL)

Cypermethrin (NL)

Dinotefuran (NL)

Emamectin benzoate (L)

Fenpropathrin (NL)

Flonicamid+cyclaniliprole (N)

Gamma-cyhalothrin (L)

Horticultural oil (L)

Imidacloprid (L)

Insecticidal soap (NL)

Isaria (paecilomyces) fumosoroseus (NL)

Lambda-cyhalothrin (L)

Malathion (L)

Neem oil (NL)

Permethrin (L)

Pymetrozine (NL)

Pyrethrins+piperonyl butoxide (L)

Pyrethrin+sulfur (NL)

Pyriproxyfen (L)

Spinetoram+sulfoxaflor (N)

Tau-fluvalinate (NL)

Notes: 

Active ingredients that may be applied systemically include: abamectin (injection), acephate (injection), acetamiprid (injection), azadirachtin (eggs) (injection, soil drench), chlorantraniliprole (soil drench), clothianidin (soil drench), cyantraniliprole (soil drench, soil injection), dinotefuran (soil drench), emamectin benzoate (injection), imidacloprid (soil drench), and neem oil (soil drench).

Make insecticide applications after bloom to protect pollinators. Applications at times of the day and temperatures when pollinators are less likely to be active can also reduce the risk of impacting their populations.

Note: Beginning July 1, 2022, neonicotinoid insecticides are classified as state restricted use for use on tree and shrub insect pests in Massachusetts. For more information, visit the MA Department of Agricultural Resources Pesticide Program.

Read and follow all label instructions for safety and proper use. If this guide contradicts language on the label, follow the most up-to-date instructions on the product label. Always confirm that the site you wish to treat and the pest you wish to manage are on the label before using any pesticide. Read the full disclaimer. Active ingredients labeled "L" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for landscape uses on trees or shrubs. Active ingredients labeled "N" indicate some products containing the active ingredient are labeled for use in nurseries. Always confirm allowable uses on product labels. This active ingredient list is based on what was registered for use in Massachusetts at the time of publication. This information changes rapidly and may not be up to date. If you are viewing this information from another state, check with your local Extension Service and State Pesticide Program for local uses and regulations. Active ingredient lists were last updated: January 2024. To check current product registrations in Massachusetts, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/pesticide-product-registration .