Rose Aphid

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macrosiphum rosae: /ˌmæ.kroʊˈsaɪ.fəm ˈroʊ.zi/

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Summary

Macrosiphum rosae, known as the rose aphid, is a sap-sucking insect primarily infesting rosebushes. It displays a range of colors and can have significant economic impact due to the damage it inflicts on ornamental roses.

Physical Characteristics

Wingless adults have a spindle-shaped body, 1.7 to 3.6 mm long, varying in color from green to pink and reddish-brown. Winged individuals are 2.2 to 3.4 mm long with distinct black lateral markings. They have long, tapered black siphunculi and relatively long antennae and legs.

Identification Tips

Look for the spindle-shaped body, size variations, and color differences (green to pinkish-brown). The long, tapered black siphunculi are a key distinguishing feature from similar species.

Habitat

Primarily found on rosebushes, especially at the tips of shoots and around flower buds during spring and early summer.

Distribution

World-wide, with introduction to North America from Europe in 1841.

Diet

Sap-sucking aphid feeding on the sap of rose plants and occasionally other secondary hosts like holly, teasel, and scabious.

Life Cycle

Overwinters mainly as eggs on roses; hatches into wingless females in spring that reproduce parthenogenetically. Populations peak in June and July, with winged forms emerging to migrate to other hosts or return to roses in autumn to lay eggs.

Reproduction

Parthenogenetic reproduction in wingless females; sexual reproduction occurs in autumn with the production of winged males.

Ecosystem Role

Considered a pest of plants in the Rosaceae family, impacting the health and aesthetic of rosebushes.

Economic Impact

Damage aesthetics of rosebushes and potentially reduce their viability; produce honeydew that encourages fungal growth.

Tags

• aphid
• pest
• rosaceae
• sucking insect
• Macrosiphum rosae