Where does the woolly apple aphid (*Eriosoma lanigerum*) conduct more insidious feeding that is often hidden from casual inspection?
Answer
The root system of the host tree
While the woolly apple aphid feeds visibly on above-ground structures like twigs and shoots, causing localized swellings, a more damaging and hidden feeding site is the root system. This subterranean feeding allows the aphids to settle on the roots and continuously extract phloem sap, often shielded from routine visual checks. This continuous root infestation causes significant, long-term detriment to the tree's structural integrity and its capacity for proper nutrient uptake, representing a hidden drain on the tree's vitality throughout the infestation period.
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