Black Cherry Aphid, 3 mm large black aphid that usually lives in colonies on members of the cherry family.
Also known as:
Cherry blackfly
Do not confuse with:
Black bean aphid
Black Cherry Aphid (Myzus cerasi). This 3 mm black aphid usually lives in colonies on (ornamental) cherries of the cherry family (Prunus). They live off plant sap. They colonize the tops of the branches, whose leaves begin to curl and become crammed together due to growth retardation.
The eggs are laid in the curled leaves.
Some Prunus species are more susceptible to black cherry aphid colonies than others. For example, the wild cherry – Prunus avium is more prone to be colonised than the Japanese cherry – Prunus serrulata
Ants like to “milk” the black cherry aphids.
Where to find
- Cherry tree (cultivars of Prunus avium)
- Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata)
- Wild cherry (Prunus avium)
- Prunus subhirtella
Control
Control with pyrethrum, Insecticidal soap, soapy water spray, rhubarb spray or nettle spray.
Prevention
Natural enemies include: birds, ladybirds, earwigs, parasitoid wasps and lacewings. Nasturtium (trap crop) captures aphids away; aromatic herbs such as southernwood, lavender and marigolds confuse aphids.
