Oleander Aphid

Aphis nerii

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Aphidoidea
Family: Aphididae
Subfamily: Aphidinae
Tribe: Aphidini
Subtribe: Aphidina
Genus: Aphis
Species: nerii

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphis nerii: //ˈeɪfɪs ˈnɪəri.aɪ//

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

Images

Aphis nerii 167829430 by Joe. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphis nerii 168331603 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphis nerii 174846249 by Andrew Meeds. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphis nerii 172098885 by Laura Veronica Bianchi. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Aphis nerii giving birth by Rexeth42. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Aphis nerii 173041308 by Dan Horowitz. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Aphis nerii, commonly known as the oleander aphid, is a small yellow-orange aphid that feeds primarily on plants in the dogbane family, especially oleander and milkweed. It is a vector for several plant viruses and is known for its viviparous reproduction.

Physical Characteristics

1.5-2.6 mm; Yellow-orange with black cornicles, legs and antennae; alate forms have pigmented thorax.

Identification Tips

Adults can be winged or wingless; presence of black cornicles and yellow-orange coloration are key identifiers.

Habitat

Regions with tropical and Mediterranean climates; occasionally present in glasshouses.

Distribution

Originally native to the Mediterranean, now cosmopolitan; introduced to North America with its host plant, Nerium oleander.

Diet

Feeds on the sap of plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), particularly on oleander, milkweed, and periwinkle; known to feed on over 50 hosts including multiple plant families.

Life Cycle

Aphis nerii reproduces viviparously, producing live young (nymphs). The species is predominantly parthenogenetic, with males rarely observed in the wild. Winged forms are produced when migration is necessary.

Reproduction

Viviparous reproduction; parthenogenetic with female-only populations; males have been created in laboratory settings.

Predators

Predators include larvae of lacewings and lady beetles, syrphid flies, and parasitic wasps.

Ecosystem Role

Aphis nerii acts as both a herbivore and a virus vector, affecting plant health and facilitating the transmission of certain viral diseases.

Economic Impact

Impacted by acting as a vector for multiple plant viruses that can affect agricultural crops.

Cultural Significance

Commonly known as oleander aphid, milkweed aphid, sweet pepper aphid, and nerium aphid; has significance in gardening and horticulture due to its host preferences.

Evolution

Adapted to a wide range of host plants and environments; has evolved forms (winged and wingless) based on environmental pressures.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other aphid species; some might overestimate the impact of individual aphids in agricultural contexts.