(?) Beech Blight Aphid (Grylloprociphilus imbricator) (?) on American Beech tree (Fagus grandifolia)

Aside: Sooty Mold Fungus (Scorias spongiosa) sometimes grows selectively on the honeydew excreted by Beech Blight Aphids. The fungus initially resembles a yellow sponge but later turns black and produces spores which are dispersed by wind/ rain. The black masses are more obvious in the wintertime after the leaves have dropped.