Order Homoptera: Family Aphididae

The cypress aphid Cinara cupressi, has been seen in Africa since 1986.  It was first established in Malawi and has rapidly spread to at least eight African countries.  The aphid causes major damage to Mexican cypress which is a very important tree for agroforestry, industry and ornamental plantings.  In urban settings, the tree is of particular importance as it serves as fences.  The cypress aphid is also a threat to pencil cedar.

The aphid is a brownish soft-bodied insect, often with a grey waxy coating.  They are about 2.4 mm long.  Adults are winged or wingless.  They often occur with several young (nymph) which they produce rapidly.  They are commonly seen in colonies along the twigs of infested trees.

They affect the tree by sucking sap from the twigs causing yellowing to browning of the foliage on the affected twig.  The overall effect on the tree ranges from partial damage to eventual death of the entire tree, depending on the severity and duration of the aphid infestation.

The aphid populations and resulting tree damage appear more prominent during dry seasons.