First Record of an Invasive Pest, Giant Willow Aphid, Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Salix alba in the Cold Arid Region of Ladakh, India

ABSTRACT: The giant willow aphid (GWA), Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin) was reported for the first time from the cold arid region of Ladakh, India. The identification of GWA was done based on morphological and molecular characterization. The important morphological characters of GWA are grayish-golden color, covered with numerous fine hairs with a large dark brown tubercle in the center of the back. GWA is a serious pest of willow and poplar trees. There is a need to study the biology and host selection behavior of this pest to develop effective management strategies.