Spirea Aphid

Aphis spiraecola

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphis spiraecola: /ˈeɪfɪs ˌspɪreaɪˈkoʊlə/

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

Images

Aphis spiraecola.3 by Marco de Haas. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Aphis spiraecola.2 by Marco de Haas. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Aphis spiraecola.1 by Marco de Haas. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Aphis spiraecola, or the Spirea aphid, is a significant pest affecting citrus and apple crops, recognized for its ability to transmit numerous plant viruses. It is widespread and invasive, feeding on a variety of plant species, particularly in warmer regions.

Physical Characteristics

Bright greenish-yellow to apple green with a dark-brown head and thorax, a yellowish-green abdomen with dusky lateral patches, membranous and pale dorsum. Apterae range from 1.2-2.2 mm in size.

Identification Tips

Often confused with Aphis pomi due to overlapping host plants; however, Aphis spiraecola lacks marginal tubercles on the lower abdomen.

Habitat

Typically found in all but the coldest terrestrial habitats.

Distribution

Globally distributed in temperate and tropical regions, especially abundant in the United States. Native to Eurasia and introduced to North America in the early 1900s.

Diet

Polyphagous; feeds on over 65 plant genera including citrus, apple, various Prunus spp., and many ornamentals. Prefers young buds, flowers, shoots, and leaves.

Life Cycle

Holocyclic; undergoes sexual reproduction in some parts of its range and parthenogenetic reproduction for most.

Reproduction

Primarily parthenogenetic, with sexual morphs produced in the presence of primary hosts during part of its life cycle.

Ecosystem Role

Important pest species which can transmit plant viruses, impacting crop production.

Economic Impact

Can lead to significant economic losses in crops, especially citrus and apples, due to feeding and virus transmission.

Evolution

Originally recognized in 1914 by Edith Marion Patch; Aphis spiraecola was associated with various plants, leading to its classification.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with Aphis pomi due to their shared host plants; variations can lead to misidentification.