On Poplar | Hainault Forest

Poplar Galls

Club-shaped Poplar Gall

Pemphigus populi

TQ4792 20/06/2023 ©Raymond Small

Caused by aphid Pemphigus populi. Greenish-yellow globular galls form on the mid-rib of Black Poplar leaves, near the leaf base. The galls become club-shaped with age. Fundatrices (females from overwintering fertilized eggs) induce the galls to provide a place for their offspring to develop.

Poplar-buttercup Aphid Gall

Thecabius affinis

TQ4792 20/06/2023 ©Raymond Small

Caused by the aphid Thecabius affinis. The aphids (which also live on buttercups) roll the leaves which then turn reddish. The aphids are covered in a shiny wax wool.

Blister Gall

Taphrina populina

Blisters on the upper surface of Black Poplar leaves are caused by fungus Taphrina populina. A concaved orange area (inset) under the bulge on the lower leaf surface is where the fungus produces spores.

Spiral Gall

Pemphigus spyrothecae

Spiral Galls on Black Poplar leaf stems are caused by aphid Pemphigus spyrothecae.

Index