Pest profile

Black Cherry Aphid

Myzus cerasi · Hemiptera: Aphididae[2]

The black cherry aphid is a shiny black aphid that curls and stunts new cherry growth in spring; young trees can't tolerate even low numbers.[1]

Colony of shiny black cherry aphids on the underside of a cherry leaf
Colony of shiny black cherry aphids on the underside of a cherry leaf. (c) Markus Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY) — via iNaturalist, CC BY 4.0

How to identify it

  • Adults and nymphs are shiny black; adults are about 1/8 inch long and may be winged or wingless.[1]
  • Nymphs look like the adults, only smaller.[1]
  • Colonies sit on actively growing shoots, where the leaves curl around them.[1]

Where it lives

Penn State Extension covers it as a pest of cherry trees in Pennsylvania.[1]

US map: public records from 17 states since 1990 (GBIF).

Biology and life cycle

Eggs overwinter on the bark of small branches and start hatching as soon as cherry buds break.[1]

Wingless stem mothers build large colonies on growing shoots within three to four weeks, and two or three generations follow by early July.[1]

Most then move to summer weed hosts such as watercress, peppergrass and other mustard-family plants, returning to cherry in September or October to lay eggs.[1]

Sweet cherries are strongly preferred; Napoleon, Black Tartarian, Schmidt and Windsor are among the most susceptible varieties.[1]

Damage and signs

  • Feeding curls and stunts leaves and stems.[1]
  • Heavy infestations may kill young trees and cut fruit quality, yield and the next year's bloom on mature trees.[1]
  • Their honeydew leads to black sooty fungus.[1]

Health risk

It feeds on plants; Penn State Extension mentions no risk to people.[1]

Control

Prevention

Scout in early spring for stem mothers on growing shoots and judge the infestation before leaves curl; young trees can't tolerate even low numbers.[1]

Biological control

Syrphid flies, lacewings and lady beetles are often abundant enough to control this aphid.[1]

Pesticides

Delayed-dormant oil and insecticide sprays applied for other cherry pests usually control it as well.[1]

Common questions

What are the shiny black bugs on my cherry tree's new leaves?
Probably black cherry aphids, which colonize growing cherry shoots in spring.[1]
Can black cherry aphids hurt a young cherry tree?
Yes. Young trees can't tolerate even low numbers, and heavy infestations may kill them.[1]

Sources

  1. Penn State Extension, “Tree Fruit Insect Pest: Black Cherry Aphid.” extension.psu.edu/tree-fruit-insect-pest-black-cherry-aphid (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. iNaturalist, “Myzus cerasi taxon page (order and family).” www.inaturalist.org/taxa/393053 (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-14. Built from sourced records. Spot an error? Tell us.