Myzus ligustri

Alternative names
Privet Aphid
Description

Myzus ligustri sometimes called the Privet Aphid is pale yellow or greenish-yellow.  The aphids produce a pseudo-gall by causing the leaves of Garden Privet or Wild Privet distorting the leaves, causing one or both margins to roll downwards. There is often some discolouration of the affected leaves which may have patches of yellow.  For more details, see the 'Further Information' link below.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Please provide images of the pseudo-gall and the aphids if present. Please also state the host plant.  Privet leaves may be rolled in this way for other reasons and it is best to make sure that there are signs of aphid activity within the leaf roll before recording.

Habitat

Found on Garden Privet and Wild Privet.  

When to see it

April to November. (Sexual forms are produced in November).

Life History

Myzus ligustri does not host alternate but spends its entire life cycle on Privet.

UK Status

Fairly widespread in England, but not particularly common, although it may become numerous where it is found.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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:
2
First record:
21/07/2025 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
25/07/2025 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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