Brachycaudus helichrysi

Alternative names
Leaf-curling Plum Aphid
Description

Brachycaudus helichrysi aphids causes distortion of leaves of various Prunus species (primary host) causing the leaves to become rolled up tightly in spring.  These are not true galls, and other aphids may cause similar leaf distortions.

Aphids 2 mm, greenish, yellowish or brownish, somewhat waxy; siphunculi very short; antennae shorter than the body with a darkened tip. The secondary hosts are usually Asteraceae and Boraginaceae.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

various Prunus species.

When to see it

when the host species are in leaf.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Aphididae
Records on NatureSpot:
20
First record:
28/05/2019 (Cunningham, Sally)
Last record:
20/05/2025 (Cunningham, Sally)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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