Aphis solanella

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Alternative names
Spindle-nightshade Aphid
Description

The aphid Aphis solanella feeds on Spindle and Black Nightshade, creating a crumpled leaf pseudogall.  The aphids are a dull blackish-brown colour. 

See the descriptions on the Influential Points points website for more details

Similar Species

Aphis fabae, and many other species of aphid are similar, but only Aphis solanellae produces the crumpled leaf pseudogall on Black Nightshade.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

We recommend that records for this species are confirmed by an expert before being submitted to NatureSpot

Habitat

Spindle or Black Nightshade

When to see it

See Influential Points website page for more on phenology

Life History

See Influential Points website page for more on life history

Further Information

https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_solanella_spindle-nightshade_aphid.htm

  • Peter Smith
    Leicester, Abbey Park
    19 October 2023
    Pseudogall on Black Nightshade
  • Graham Calow
    Broughton Astley, Streamside Close
    10 September 2025
    aphids inside pseudo-gall on Black Nightshade
  • Peter Smith
    Leicester, Abbey Park
    19 October 2023
    Apterae
  • Peter Smith
    Leicester, Abbey Park
    19 October 2023
    Aptera
  • Graham Calow
    Broughton Astley, Streamside Close
    10 September 2025
    pseudo-gall on Black Nightshade
  • Graham Calow
    Broughton Astley, Streamside Close
    10 September 2025
    aphids inside pseudo-gall on Black Nightshade

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Aphididae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
19/10/2023 (Smith, Peter)
Last record:
10/09/2025 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records

  • Graham Calow
    Broughton Astley, Streamside Close
    10 September 2025
    pseudo-gall on Black Nightshade