Aphids

Aphididae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphididae: /əˈfɪdɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Patchiella reaumuri by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pleotrichophorus packi brevis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Prociphilus (Prociphilus) americanus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Patchiella sp. by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Prociphilus (Paraprociphilus) tessellatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Chaitophorus salicicola by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Aphididae are a large family of soft-bodied insects known as aphids, significant as pests and as vectors for plant viruses. They have complex life cycles and can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Physical Characteristics

Soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects; usually small (1‒6 mm); cornicles projecting dorsally from the abdomen; small eyes and long segmented rostrum; can be green, red, or brown. Winged forms (alates) and wingless forms (apterous) are present.

Identification Tips

Submitting images from multiple angles increases identification accuracy; different morphs should be captured; host plant association can aid in species ID.

Habitat

Usually found on the leaves of host plants as phloem feeders.

Distribution

Worldwide; more diverse in temperate regions than in the tropics.

Diet

Phloem feeders that suck plant juices; diet varies based on host plant type—some are monophagous, oligophagous, polyphagous, or heteroecious.

Life Cycle

Two types of life cycles: holocyclic (sexual and asexual) or anholocyclic (only asexual). Holocyclic species produce overwintering eggs; anholocyclic species do not reproduce sexually.

Reproduction

Cyclical parthenogenesis, with a series of parthenogenetic generations and a period of sexual reproduction in autumn that results in eggs. Some species do not overwinter as eggs but exist as nymphs or adults.

Predators

Predators include lacewing larvae, coccinellids (ladybugs), and parasitic wasps that lay eggs inside aphids, resulting in 'aphid mummies.'

Ecosystem Role

Act as plant virus vectors; honeydew they excrete supports other insects, like ants.

Economic Impact

Over 100 species are pests of food crops and ornamental plants; they are significant agricultural pests due to their role in spreading plant viruses.

Collecting Methods

  • Visual observation
  • Net sweeping
  • Plant sampling (collection from host plants)

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation
  • Pinning specimens
  • Freezing specimens for temporary storage

Evolution

Aphids originated in the late Cretaceous about 100 million years ago; modern diversity largely from recent radiations in the late Tertiary.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Aphids are sometimes mistaken for other small insects; their association with ants leads to misunderstanding of their biology and impact.

Tags

  • Aphids
  • Hemiptera
  • Plant Pests
  • Insect Ecology