Tuliptree Aphid Scientific Name: Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) (Insecta: Hempitera: Aphididae)

The tuliptree aphid, Illinoia liriodendri (Monell) is a sap-feeding insect herbivore of Liriodendron tulipifera that commonly reaches high densities on trees planted in urban settings. Liriodendron tulipifera is a large tree species native throughout eastern North America known commonly as tuliptree or tulip poplar. This tree is a common ornamental tree species used in urban forests throughout the mid-Atlantic states of North America. Although it occurs mostly in temperate regions, Illinoia liriodendri can be found in most places where tulip poplar is grown. While its effects are recognized to be mostly aesthetic, heavy infestations of tuliptree aphid can significantly impact young trees, and they are considered the most important insect pest of this tree species in urban landscapes. This publication describes the identification, biology, and management of tuliptree aphid.

This document is EENY-813, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2024. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. This document is also available on the Featured Creatures website at http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures. © 2024 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Lindsay Mikell, graduate assistant, Department of Environmental Horticulture; and Adam Dale, associate professor, turfgrass and ornamental entomology, Department of Entomology and Nematology; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, Florida 32611