🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The Beech Blight Aphid appears in dramatic fashion. This aphid will raise the posterior end of its body and sway when it is disturbed. This action produces a dance-like effect that occurs throughout the colony. This phenomenon has led some to refer to this species as the "Boogie-Woogie Aphid." ✡️ It is a unique experience to see hundreds, if not thousands, of these perform this defensive, yet highly entertaining, behavior.

It has been speculated that heavy populations may kill smaller limbs of beech trees. Others suggest that smaller and/or distorted foliage may result from the feeding pressure imposed by this insect. Ultimately, there is no indication that this aphid causes any real serious harm beyond that of the vast amounts of aesthetically displeasing sooty mold :peeposmoke: