Aphididae

Definition

The family of true bugs (Hemiptera) containing the aphids: small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Members typically possess cornicles (tubular abdominal structures for defensive secretion), complex life cycles often involving alternation between sexual and parthenogenetic generations, and host-plant specialization. Aphididae is the largest family within the superfamily Aphidoidea and contains the majority of arthropod vectors of plant viruses.

Etymology

From genus Aphis (type genus, from Greek aphis, possibly 'unwinged' or related to 'draw away') + family suffix -idae.

Example

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Aphididae), transmits over 100 plant viruses and is a globally significant agricultural pest.

Related Terms

• Aphidoidea
• Sternorrhyncha
• Hemiptera
• cornicle
• Parthenogenesis
• host alternation
• plant virus vector
• Myzus persicae
• Aphis

Usage Notes

Sometimes called 'true aphids' to distinguish from related families in Aphidoidea (Adelgidae, Phylloxeridae). The family is extraordinarily species-rich with over 5,000 described species; identification often requires examination of abdominal sclerites, cauda shape, and antennal sensoria. Many species exhibit polyphenism, with winged and wingless morphs produced in response to crowding or seasonal cues.