Only females have ever been recorded, which suggests that reproduction is parthenogenetic and all offspring produced are genetically identical clones.

[4] Along the dorsal side of their abdomen, about 2/3 of the way down, T. salignus displays a defining single large conical tubercle or bump that resembles a thorn which can grow to 0.2-0.3 mm.

[4][5] Adult T. salignus has three pairs of legs that are primarily a dark brownish color, but smaller, red/orange sections are also present.

[5][14][15] Generally, T. salignus is most active in the warmer months, with populations peaking in late summer and early autumn.

[5][6][3] During this time, it is thought T. salignus retreats behind the willow tree bark or into the ground to escape the harsh climate.

)[18] Like many herbivorous Hemiptera, T. salignus uses modified mouthparts to pierce the phloem of plants and feed on its sap.

[4][5] As the aphid feeds, it is ingesting an incredible amount of these sugars and water, so much so that it needs to excrete them to avoid overfeeding.

[4][5][7][9] These are excreted as a sugary liquid known as honeydew, which attracts various other insect species such as honeybees, wasps, and ants.

[4][5][7][9] Due to the almost exclusive feeding of willow sap by T. salignus, the honeydew that is produced as a result attracts numerous types of insects.

[19] Elsewhere, like North America and parts of Europe, parasitic wasps, lady beetles, hover fly maggots, lace wings are frequent predators.

[9][11] As T. salignus populations begin to rapidly grow on the willow tree, many negative impacts start to become apparent.

[7][3] While they are not native, they are used in many facets of society in order to increase land stabilization and reduce soil erosion.

[20] With the presence of large T. salignus colonies on willow trees, many of the contributions listed above are severely hindered.

[7][3][20] Additionally, honeybees that forage on T. salignus honeydew have poorer health and produce a lower quantity and quality of honey.