I've got colonies of a bug I've never seen before on several of the tree trunks in our yard (live oak, magnolia, and crape myrtles). The group together in patches as big as a hand and move together in groups of a hundred or more. They start off about the size of small BB and then get larger and finally develop wings. I have not noticed any damage to the trees yet, but I am concerned - these bugs have to be eating something... Do you have any thoughts on what these could be? and what I need to do to get rid of them

i have these bugs also, but the colonies are getting LARGER! are these things harmful to the tree? my poor live oak is recovering from a tornado last November and it's just starting to recover. your help would be appreciated.

looks like my bugs have moved on with no harm done. interesting that this is the first year to have them. hope your tree is doing well also.

Sounds like giant aphids. See photo at: http://www.planocitynews.com/newsbriefs ... phids.html
I wouldn't follow the advice given at this link (City of Plano), but it might help you identify them.[/url]