Woolly beech aphid (Phyllaphis fagi)

A large beech tree shades a chunk of the garden, plus it is being used as a roost for woodpigeons which crap all over the patio (just how much does a single pigeon produce in a day!?). Anyhow, cutting some low hanging branches in the hope the pigeons find a new roost site, they were all sticky and the under-sides of the leaves covered in clusters of fluffy white insects. These are Woolly Beech Aphids (Phyllaphis fagi, #927), which secrete copious honeydew. I didn’t notice them previous years, or that the tree was buzzing with insects attracted by the honeydew.

#927 Woolly beech aphid Phyllaphis fagi