Willow Aphids

[triops]

Hi Folks,

I'm interested in the Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salicis).On the trees I was watching last year there were hundreds of colonies, but there are none this year.
I've been hunting in many other places, too, without success.
I'd be very interested to hear whether any members have seen the aphids this year, or if there is a wider lack of colonies.

[The Woodman]

Hi triops

Last year I removed two coppiced willow roots from my garden as they were getting over large despite being cut every year. There were many colonies of aphid on the stems. I haven't noticed any aphids on other coppices this year but will have a look at some tomorrow.

[healfdan]

It was the same here on the south coast West Sussex. Last year Osier and Crack willow were heavily colonised but this year I have not seen a single colony on the trees round our local pond.