What specific reaction is triggered when the woolly elm aphid feeds on developing elm leaves in the spring?
Answer
The formation of leaf galls that appear as red or purple pouches
The initial stage of the woolly elm aphid (*Eriosoma americanum*) lifecycle involves feeding concentrated on the underside of developing elm leaves during the spring season. This localized extraction of sap from the leaf tissue provokes a characteristic defensive or developmental response from the host plant, the elm tree (*Ulmus*). This response manifests as the formation of distinct leaf galls, which are described as being red or purple pouches, or otherwise distorted areas appearing on the affected leaves. This visible symptom is temporary and specific to the initial foliar feeding stage.
Related Questions
What is the sole sustenance extracted by all woolly aphids using their specialized mouthparts?What are the primary hosts for the woolly apple aphid, *Eriosoma lanigerum*?What specific reaction is triggered when the woolly elm aphid feeds on developing elm leaves in the spring?Where does the woolly apple aphid (*Eriosoma lanigerum*) conduct more insidious feeding that is often hidden from casual inspection?What is the key distinction in feeding strategy between *Eriosoma lanigerum* and *Eriosoma americanum* concerning location?When do winged forms (alates) of the woolly elm aphid depart the leaf galls to seek root infestation sites?What specialized host plant, commonly known as the Bradford pear, is listed as a secondary host for *Eriosoma lanigerum*?What term describes the tissue from which woolly aphids extract their nutrient-rich fluid?What type of damage results from *Eriosoma lanigerum* feeding on the bark of young apple shoots?Why does the continuous, protected feeding on elm roots likely represent a greater physiological impact than the temporary elm leaf galls?