These aphids, which suck the sap of American Beech trees, are covered with fluffy white "wool" made of a waxy substance. Compare with the similar Woolly Alder Aphid or Maple Blight Aphid (Prociphilus tessellatus), which feeds on alder or maple, depending on the life stage.

These true aphids, in the family Aphidae, look superficially similar to the woolly adelgids, such as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges tsugae), in the family Adelgidae.

Durham Co., NC 10/6/2012.

These Beech Blight Aphids are being munched on by a caterpillar of the Harvester butterfly (Feniseca tarquinius), our only carnivorous butterfly. As you can see, they blend in quite well with their prey, like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Durham Co., NC 10/6/2012.

Another Harvester harvesting Beech Blight Aphids.

Durham Co., NC 10/6/2012.

Durham Co., NC