Aphid
Guides
Abstrusomyzus phloxae
Abstrusomyzus phloxae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, originally described as Phorodon phloxae by Sampson in 1939. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini, a group characterized by long siphunculi. The specific epithet suggests an association with plants in the genus Phlox.
Acanthocaudus
Acanthocaudus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species in this genus are known to parasitize aphids. The genus was established by Smith in 1944 and occurs in the Nearctic Region. Recent taxonomic work has described new species and resolved synonymies within the genus.
Acuticauda
Acuticauda is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Hille Ris Lambers in 1956. The genus belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and is part of the diverse aphid fauna within the order Hemiptera. As with other aphid genera, species within Acuticauda are likely phloem-feeding insects, though specific ecological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in available sources.
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae
Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid
Acuticauda solidaginifoliae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. It is commonly known as the Goldenrod Leaf-fold Aphid, indicating an association with goldenrod plants (Solidago species). The specific epithet 'solidaginifoliae' directly references this host relationship. Like other aphids in the genus Acuticauda, it likely possesses the characteristic elongated cauda that gives the genus its name.
Acyrthosiphon
pea aphids
Acyrthosiphon is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Alexander Mordvilko in 1914. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and includes several economically important agricultural pests. The best-known species, Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid), is a major pest of legume crops and serves as a model organism for studies of insect-bacteria symbiosis, particularly its relationship with the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola.
Acyrthosiphon lactucae
Prickly Lettuce Aphid
Acyrthosiphon lactucae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Prickly Lettuce Aphid. It belongs to the genus Acyrthosiphon, which includes several economically significant agricultural pests. The species was first described by Passerini in 1860. Unlike its congener Acyrthosiphon pisum (the pea aphid), which has been extensively studied, relatively little specific research has been published on A. lactucae. Available records indicate presence in parts of Europe including Norway, Sweden, and the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.
Acyrthosiphon macrosiphum
Long-legged Serviceberry Aphid
Acyrthosiphon macrosiphum is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described as Illinoia macrosiphum by Wilson in 1912. It belongs to the Acyrthosiphon-Macrosiphum group of aphids, which has been studied in relation to host-parasitoid specificity. The species is known by the common name Long-legged Serviceberry Aphid. Very little specific biological or ecological information is documented for this particular species in available literature.
Acyrthosiphon pisum
Pea aphid, green dolphin, pea louse, clover louse
Acyrthosiphon pisum, the pea aphid, is a sap-sucking hemipteran and major agricultural pest of legume crops worldwide. It is notable as the first hemimetabolous insect with a fully sequenced genome and serves as a model organism for studying aphid biology, endosymbiosis, polyphenism, and asexual reproduction. The species exhibits complex polyphenism with multiple morphs including winged and wingless parthenogenetic females, sexual males and females, and green or red/pink color morphs. Its survival depends entirely on the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola, which provides essential amino acids lacking in its phloem sap diet.
Adialytus
A genus of aphid parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species within this genus are solitary, koinobiont endoparasitoids of aphids (Aphididae), developing within living hosts. The genus is represented by four species in Europe, with records from Turkey, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. Members are of economic interest as potential biological control agents of pest aphids on crops and woody plants.
Amphorophora ampullata
Dark-tipped Fern Aphid
Amphorophora ampullata is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Dark-tipped Fern Aphid. It belongs to a genus associated with fern-feeding habits. The species has been recorded in northern Europe and North America. Taxonomic status varies across databases, with some treating it as accepted and others as a synonym.
Anoecia
Anoecia is a genus of root-feeding aphids in the subfamily Anoeciinae. Species are primarily subterranean, spending much of their life cycle underground on grass and sedge roots. The genus includes approximately 30 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Several species exhibit complex life cycles involving migration between woody spring hosts (notably dogwood, Cornus) and herbaceous summer hosts.
Anoeciinae
Anoeciinae is a subfamily of root-feeding aphids within Aphididae. Members are obligate subterranean insects that live and feed on plant roots. The subfamily contains four genera, including two extinct fossil taxa from Baltic amber. Unlike many aphids, anoeciines do not alternate between hosts and remain underground throughout their life cycle.
Aphidiinae
Aphid Mummy Wasps
Aphidiinae is a subfamily of Braconidae comprising approximately 400 species in 50 genera worldwide. These wasps are koinobiont endoparasitoids that develop exclusively within aphid hosts, with larvae consuming the host from the inside. Most species pupate inside the dead aphid, though members of the tribe Praini exit below to form external volcano-like cocoons. The group is economically significant for biological control of aphid pests in agriculture and horticulture.
Aphidiinae
Aphid Mummy Wasps
Aphidiinae is a subfamily of tiny parasitoid wasps within Braconidae that exclusively parasitize aphids. Adults are minute, typically under 5 mm, with reduced wing venation characteristic of microgastroid wasps. The common name 'Aphid Mummy Wasps' refers to the distinctive 'mummy' formed when parasitized aphids die, dry out, and become leathery brown or black shells containing the wasp pupa. Several species have been successfully deployed in biological control programs targeting agricultural aphid pests.
Aphidina
Aphidina is a subtribe of aphids within the family Aphididae, established by Latreille in 1802. It encompasses numerous genera including economically significant and xerophilous species. Members exhibit diverse life cycles, with some species amenable to genetic control methods due to their holocyclic heterogenetic reproduction. The subtribe includes species with specialized host associations, particularly on Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Amaranthaceae.
Aphis
Aphis is a large genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing at least 400–600 species. The genus includes numerous significant agricultural pests, notably the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and apple aphid (Aphis pomi). Many species form mutualistic associations with ants (myrmecophily), exchanging honeydew for protection. Species identification within the genus often requires examination of morphological characters such as siphunculi and cauda structure.
Aphis aurantii
Black Citrus Aphid, Camellia Aphid
Aphis aurantii is an economically significant aphid species known as the Black Citrus Aphid or Camellia Aphid. It is a major pest in commercial tea plantations and gardens in China, where it causes substantial damage to Camellia sinensis. The species exhibits a broad host range across multiple plant families, with documented specialization on Ficus in sympatric populations suggesting ongoing host-associated divergence. Population genetic studies reveal high haplotype diversity across Chinese populations with evidence of recent expansion events and isolation-by-distance patterns.
Aphis ceanothi
California Lilac Aphid
Aphis ceanothi is an aphid species first described by Clarke in 1903. It is commonly known as the California Lilac Aphid, reflecting its association with Ceanothus (California lilac) host plants. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the characteristic pear-shaped body and cornicles typical of this large aphid genus.
Aphis cephalanthi
Buttonbush aphid
Aphis cephalanthi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Buttonbush aphid" reflects its association with its host plant, buttonbush (Cephalanthus species). Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it is a sap-feeding insect with a typical aphid life cycle involving parthenogenetic reproduction during favorable conditions. The species is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF, Catalogue of Life, and NCBI, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the available literature.
Aphis craccae
Tufted Vetch Aphid
Aphis craccae, commonly known as the Tufted Vetch Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly vetch species (Vicia spp.). The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758. Observations indicate it occurs in parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.
Aphis craccivora
cowpea aphid, groundnut aphid, black legume aphid
Aphis craccivora is a small, dark-colored aphid of probable Palearctic origin that has become a cosmopolitan agricultural pest. It is polyphagous but shows strong preference for leguminous plants, particularly cowpea, groundnut, and alfalfa. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with winged forms developing for dispersal. It is a significant pest due to direct feeding damage, honeydew production that promotes sooty mold growth, and its role as a vector for multiple plant viruses.
Aphis fabae
black bean aphid, blackfly, bean aphid, beet leaf aphid
Aphis fabae is a small, soft-bodied aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the black bean aphid or blackfly. It is a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range, attacking beans, sugar beet, and numerous other crops. The species exhibits a heteroecious life cycle with host alternation between a woody primary host (Euonymus europaeus, spindle tree) and herbaceous secondary hosts. It reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season and sexually in autumn, producing overwintering eggs. The aphid is capable of rapid population increase through viviparous reproduction, and winged forms develop seasonally to facilitate migration between host plants.
Aphis farinosa
Small Willow Aphid
Aphis farinosa is a species of aphid commonly known as the Small Willow Aphid. It is a member of the family Aphididae and is associated with willow host plants. The species has been documented in parts of Europe, including Belgium and the Azores islands of Portugal.
Aphis folsomii
Virginia creeper aphid
Aphis folsomii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Davis in 1908. It is commonly known as the Virginia creeper aphid, indicating an association with Parthenocissus species (Virginia creeper). Like other aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and exhibits typical aphid morphology including cornicles on the abdomen. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources.
Aphis forbesi
Strawberry Root Aphid
Aphis forbesi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Weed in 1889. It is commonly known as the strawberry root aphid, indicating an association with strawberry plants (Fragaria spp.). The species has been recorded in Serbia based on distribution data. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it likely possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts and may exhibit complex life cycles involving host alternation or monoecy, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Aphis gerardiae
False Foxglove Aphid
Aphis gerardiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described by Thomas in 1879 as Siphonophora gerardiae. Commonly known as the False Foxglove Aphid, this species is associated with plants in the genus Gerardia (false foxgloves). As with other members of genus Aphis, it likely exhibits typical aphid characteristics including piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases. The species has been documented through limited observations, with iNaturalist recording 7 observations as of the knowledge cutoff.
Aphis gossypii
cotton aphid, melon aphid, melon and cotton aphid, greenfly
Aphis gossypii is a small sap-sucking aphid and significant agricultural pest with a global distribution. It infests crops in at least three plant families, particularly Cucurbitaceae, Rutaceae, and Malvaceae, causing direct damage through feeding and indirect damage as a vector of plant viruses. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (asexual) reproduction depending on geographic location and climate. It has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, complicating management efforts.
Aphis hederae
Aphis hederae is an aphid species first described by Kaltenbach in 1843. It is currently listed as an accepted species in major taxonomic databases, though some sources note it as an ambiguous synonym. The species is recorded from the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, São Jorge, São Miguel, and Santa Maria islands). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the family's characteristic sap-feeding biology on host plants.
Aphis illinoisensis
grapevine aphid
Aphis illinoisensis, commonly known as the grapevine aphid, is a phytophagous insect native to North America that has become invasive in Mediterranean regions and other grape-growing areas worldwide. It is a documented vector of Grapevine vein clearing virus (GVCV), transmitting the pathogen from wild Vitaceae to cultivated grapevines. The species exhibits holocyclic life cycle characteristics with documented overwintering on Viburnum species. Its invasive expansion across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East has prompted biocontrol research using native parasitoids and entomopathogenic bacteria.
Aphis intybi
Aphis intybi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Koch in 1855. It belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous economically important plant-feeding species. Distribution records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species epithet 'intybi' suggests an association with Cichorium intybus (chicory), though specific host plant relationships have not been well documented in available literature.
Aphis lupini
Aphis lupini is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Gillette and Palmer in 1929. The specific epithet suggests an association with lupine plants (Lupinus spp.), though detailed biological information is limited in available sources. As a member of genus Aphis, it shares the typical aphid characteristics of piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles often involving host plant alternation. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym.
Aphis maculatae
Spotted Poplar Aphid
Aphis maculatae, commonly known as the Spotted Poplar Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. First described by Oestlund in 1887, this small sap-sucking insect belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous agricultural and horticultural pest species. Like other aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem.
Aphis nasturtii
Buckthorn Aphid, Buckthorn-Potato Aphid
Aphis nasturtii is a cosmopolitan aphid species known primarily as a pest of agricultural crops, particularly potatoes, sunflowers, lettuce, and beets. It is a phloem-feeding insect that extracts plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species is of significant economic concern due to its direct feeding damage and its role as a vector for at least 15 plant viruses. Common names reflect its association with buckthorn (likely a primary or overwintering host) and potato (a major agricultural host).
Aphis nerii
oleander aphid, milkweed aphid, sweet pepper aphid, nerium aphid
Aphis nerii is a cosmopolitan aphid species in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), especially milkweeds (Asclepias) and oleander (Nerium oleander). The species exhibits complex reproductive strategies including parthenogenesis and viviparity, with winged and wingless female morphs. It is a significant pest of ornamental plants and a known vector of multiple plant viruses. The species has been introduced widely beyond its native range and is now found in tropical, Mediterranean, and temperate regions globally.
Aphis oenotherae
Evening Primrose Aphid
Aphis oenotherae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Oestlund in 1887. It is commonly known as the Evening Primrose Aphid, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Oenothera. The species has been documented in parts of Europe including Belgium, the Czech Republic, and France, with observation records also noted in citizen science databases. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem.
Aphis pawneepae
Aphis pawneepae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Hottes in 1934. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. Very little is known about its biology, ecology, or distribution. Records indicate it has been observed at least 18 times on iNaturalist, but detailed studies of its morphology, host associations, and life history appear to be lacking in the available literature.
Aphis pulchella
Aphis pulchella is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Hottes and Frison in 1931. It belongs to the large genus Aphis, which contains numerous economically important plant-feeding species. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species, and it appears to be rarely encountered or studied compared to more prominent congeners such as the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) or oleander aphid (Aphis nerii).
Aphis rubicola
Aphis rubicola is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Oestlund in 1887. The species exhibits holocyclic life cycle with seasonal polyphenism, producing sexual morphs (males and oviparae) in response to short-day photoperiods. Laboratory studies demonstrate that temperature significantly modifies sexual morph production, with lower temperatures enhancing the transition to sexual reproduction. The specific epithet suggests association with Rubus (raspberry/blackberry) as a host plant, though this has not been explicitly confirmed in available sources.
Aphis rubifolii
Blackberry aphid, Raspberry aphid
Aphis rubifolii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is known to feed on Rubus species, particularly blackberries and raspberries. The species was described by Thomas in 1879. Like other aphids in the genus Aphis, it likely reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season, though specific life history details for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Aphis saniculae
Aphis saniculae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Williams in 1911. The specific epithet 'saniculae' suggests an association with plants in the genus Sanicula (Apiaceae). Like other members of the genus Aphis, it is presumed to be a phloem-feeding insect. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 7 documented observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, underreported, or restricted in distribution.
Aphis spiraephila
Aphis spiraephila is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Edith Marion Patch in 1914. The specific epithet "spiraephila" suggests an association with Spiraea, a genus of flowering shrubs in the rose family. The species is recorded from Ukraine in distribution databases, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources. Like other members of genus Aphis, it likely exhibits typical aphid morphology including soft bodies, piercing-sucking mouthparts, and cornicles on the abdomen.
Aphis urticata
dark green nettle aphid
Aphis urticata, commonly known as the dark green nettle aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is associated with nettle plants (Urtica species), as suggested by its specific epithet. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe including Belgium and the Azores (São Miguel). Like other aphids, it likely feeds on plant phloem sap.
Aphis verbasci
Mullein Aphid
Aphis verbasci, commonly known as the mullein aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. First described by Schrank in 1801, this species has been documented in several European countries including Poland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. Sexual morphs of this species include an oviparous female and a wingless male, which were described in detail for the first time in a 2014 study. The species is associated with Verbascum (mullein) as its host plant.
Aphis vernoniae
Ironweed aphid
Aphis vernoniae is an aphid species described by Thomas in 1878. The common name "Ironweed aphid" suggests an association with plants in the genus Vernonia (ironweeds). As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares characteristics with other aphids in this large and economically significant genus. The species appears to be rarely documented, with minimal observational records available.
Aphis viburniphila
American Viburnum Aphid
Aphis viburniphila, the American Viburnum Aphid, is a species of aphid described by Edith Marion Patch in 1917. The species epithet 'viburniphila' indicates its association with Viburnum host plants. As a member of the genus Aphis, it shares the typical aphid body plan with piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for phloem feeding. The species has been documented through 88 observations on iNaturalist.
Aphthargelia
Snowberry Aphids
Aphthargelia is a small genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini, containing two described species. The genus was long considered monotypic until the description of A. rumbleboredomia in 2013. Both species are associated with host plants in the mountains of northwestern North America.
Aphthargelia symphoricarpi
Snowberry Aphid
Aphthargelia symphoricarpi is the type species of the small aphid genus Aphthargelia, originally described from North America. It is associated with snowberry (Symphoricarpos) as its host plant. The species is one of two currently recognized in the genus, the other being the recently described A. rumbleboredomia.
Appendiseta
Appendiseta is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Richards in 1965. The sole described species, Appendiseta robiniae, is known as the black locust aphid and has been introduced to Europe from its native North American range. The genus is classified within the tribe Therioaphidini and subfamily Calaphidinae.
Appendiseta robiniae
Black Locust Aphid
Appendiseta robiniae, the black locust aphid, is the sole species in the monotypic genus Appendiseta. Native to North America, it has become established as an alien species in Europe, where it has adapted successfully to local conditions. In Poland, studies documented up to 11 generations per season on its host plant Robinia pseudoacacia, with females of the second and third generations showing highest fertility. The species exhibits rapid population growth capability due to its biological predispositions.
Asaphes suspensus
Asaphes suspensus is a common aphid hyperparasitoid wasp (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) that attacks aphidiine primary parasitoids within mummified aphids. The species exhibits sophisticated host discrimination behavior, including self-discrimination that favors unparasitized hosts over self-parasitized ones, but notably lacks interspecific discrimination against competitors. It employs ovicidal behavior as a competitive strategy, physically destroying competitor eggs through distinctive concave puncture sites. This species has been recorded from multiple continents including Europe, South America, and North America.