Aphid
Guides
Brachycaudus
Short-tailed Aphids
Brachycaudus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, commonly known as short-tailed aphids. The genus contains approximately 43 species distributed worldwide, including significant agricultural pests such as B. helichrysi (peach leaf curl aphid) and B. rumexicolens. Species in this genus exhibit remarkable evolutionary lability in life cycle strategies, with transitions occurring between monoecy on woody hosts, heteroecy (host alternation), and monoecy on herbaceous plants. This flexibility contradicts the traditional assumption that aphids cannot regain primary woody hosts once lost.
Brachycaudus cardui
thistle aphid, plum-thistle aphid
Brachycaudus cardui is a heteroecious aphid species with a complex life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp.) and secondary herbaceous hosts, primarily thistles and other Asteraceae. Wingless viviparous females are small (1.8–2.5 mm), oval to pear-shaped, and variable in color. The species is notable for causing leaf roll on Prunus and for transmitting plum pox virus, a serious agricultural pathogen. Colony establishment depends heavily on ant attendance.
Brachycaudus helichrysi
leaf curl plum aphid, leaf-curling plum aphid, peach leaf curl aphid
Brachycaudus helichrysi is a small aphid species first described by Kaltenbach in 1843. Molecular studies have revealed it comprises two cryptic sibling lineages, B. helichrysi H1 and H2, which are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically divergent and differ in life cycle strategies. H1 follows a typical heteroecious cycle with sexual reproduction on plum trees, while H2 consists largely of obligate asexual superclones with some sexual populations on peach trees in India.
Brachyunguis
Brachyunguis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Das in 1918. It belongs to the tribe Aphidini within the subfamily Aphidinae. The genus contains relatively few described species and has been documented from limited geographic regions.
Brachyunguis bonnevillensis
Brachyunguis bonnevillensis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Knowlton in 1928. It belongs to the genus Brachyunguis, a group of aphids associated with woody hosts. The species is poorly documented in modern literature and lacks comprehensive biological study. Available records indicate it is a valid but rarely encountered taxon.
Braggia
Braggia is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Aphidini) described by Gillette & Palmer in 1929. Species in this genus are specialized feeders on buckwheat (Eriogonum spp., Polygonaceae) in western North America. The genus includes at least two recently described species: Braggia columbiana from Washington and Oregon, and Braggia longicauda from Washington, Oregon, and northern California. These aphids have been documented with associated parasitoid species, though specific taxa are not detailed in available sources.
Brevicoryne
Brevicoryne is a genus of aphids (family Aphididae) comprising approximately 10 described species, several of which are significant agricultural pests. The most economically important species, Brevicoryne brassicae (cabbage aphid), infests crops in the Brassicaceae family worldwide. Members of this genus are characterized by their association with cruciferous host plants and are known vectors of plant viruses including Turnip mosaic virus and Cauliflower mosaic virus.
Brevicoryne brassicae
cabbage aphid, cabbage aphis, mealy cabbage aphid
Brevicoryne brassicae, commonly known as the cabbage aphid, is a destructive agricultural pest native to Europe that has spread worldwide. The species feeds exclusively on plants in the family Brassicaceae, including cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and other cultivated brassicas. Large colonies form on the undersides of young leaves and flower heads, causing significant yield losses through direct feeding damage and virus transmission. The aphid possesses a unique chemical defense mechanism, producing myrosinase enzyme and sequestering glucosinolates from host plants to release toxic mustard oil compounds when attacked.
Calaphidina
Calaphidina is a subtribe of aphids within the tribe Calaphidini and subfamily Calaphidinae, established by Oestlund in 1919. The group is currently treated as a synonym in modern taxonomic databases, indicating it has been merged with or subsumed under other taxonomic concepts. Members of this group are part of the diverse aphid fauna that feed on various host plants, though specific diagnostic features distinguishing this subtribe remain poorly documented in contemporary literature.
Calaphidini
Calaphidini is a tribe of aphids in the subfamily Calaphidinae, family Aphididae. The tribe comprises approximately 18 genera divided into two subtribes: Calaphidina and Monaphidina. Members are phloem-feeding insects associated primarily with woody host plants, particularly in the families Betulaceae and Salicaceae. The tribe was established by Oestlund in 1919 and is widely distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Calaphis
Dark-veined Birch Aphids
Calaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Benjamin Dann Walsh in 1862. Members are commonly known as Dark-veined Birch Aphids. The genus occurs in Eurasia and North America, with species associated primarily with birch (Betula) hosts. At least three species are recognized, including C. betulicola, C. flava, and C. manitobensis.
Calaphis betulaecolens
Common American Birch Aphid
Calaphis betulaecolens, known as the Common American Birch Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It is associated with birch trees (Betula species), as indicated by its specific epithet. The species was first described by Fitch in 1851 and is native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae, a group specialized on woody hosts in the birch family.
Calaphis betulella
Streaked River Birch Aphid
Calaphis betulella is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Streaked River Birch Aphid. It belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae and tribe Calaphidini. The species was described by Walsh in 1863. As a member of the genus Calaphis, it is associated with birch host plants.
Calaphis flava
Yellow Dark-veined Birch Aphid
Calaphis flava is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Mordvilko in 1928. It is commonly known as the Yellow Dark-veined Birch Aphid. The species has been recorded in parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Azores (São Miguel). As a member of the genus Calaphis, it is associated with birch (Betula) host plants, though specific host records for this species are limited in the available sources.
Calaphis leonardi
Calaphis leonardi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae. The species was described by Quednau in 1971. Like other members of the genus Calaphis, it is likely associated with coniferous hosts, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in available literature.
Calaphis neobetulella
Blotched River Birch Aphid
Calaphis neobetulella is an aphid species described by Quednau in 1971, commonly known as the Blotched River Birch Aphid. It belongs to the genus Calaphis within the subfamily Calaphidinae. The species has been documented in very few iNaturalist observations, suggesting it may be uncommon, geographically restricted, or under-recorded. As a member of the Aphididae, it is a sap-feeding insect likely associated with birch host plants.
Callipterinella
Callipterinella is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by van der Goot in 1913. The genus contains three recognized species: C. calliptera, C. minutissima, and C. tuberculata. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. The genus belongs to the tribe Calaphidini within the subfamily Calaphidinae.
Callipterinella calliptera
Black-banded Birch Aphid
Callipterinella calliptera is an aphid species commonly known as the Black-banded Birch Aphid. It belongs to the family Aphididae and is associated with birch trees (Betula species). The species has been documented in parts of northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. It is a relatively infrequently recorded species with limited published ecological data.
Capitophorus
Capitophorus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing more than 30 described species. Species within this genus are associated with specific host plants including Artemisia, Chrysothamnus, Fragaria, and Hippophae. Some species are known to transmit virus diseases to cultivated plants, particularly strawberries. The genus exhibits both sexual and asexual reproduction with viviparous parthenogenesis common during the growing season.
Capitophorus elaeagni
Thistle Aphid, Artichoke Aphid, Oleaster-Thistle Aphid
Capitophorus elaeagni is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the thistle aphid, artichoke aphid, or oleaster-thistle aphid. It is found in Europe, with distribution records also from the Azores (São Miguel), Brazil (Paraná, São Paulo), Czech Republic, Denmark, and Norway. The specific epithet 'elaeagni' suggests an association with plants in the genus Elaeagnus, though this relationship requires confirmation.
Capitophorus hippophaes
Polygonum Aphid
Capitophorus hippophaes is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Francis Walker in 1852 as Aphis hippophaes. It exhibits a heteroecious life cycle, alternating between primary hosts in the genera Hippophae and Elaeagnus (family Elaeagnaceae) and secondary hosts in the genera Persicaria and Polygonum (Polygonaceae). Native to Europe, it has established populations across multiple continents including North America, Oceania, and Asia. The species is commonly known as the polygonum aphid.
Capitophorus shepherdiae
Buffaloberry Oleaster Aphid
Capitophorus shepherdiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Gillette & Bragg in 1916. It is commonly known as the Buffaloberry Oleaster Aphid, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Shepherdia (buffaloberry/oleaster). The species belongs to the genus Capitophorus, which comprises aphids often characterized by tuberculate heads and specific host plant relationships.
Carolinaia
Carolinaia is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) described by Wilson in 1911. The genus belongs to the subtribe Rhopalosiphina within the tribe Aphidini. Records from GBIF indicate it is treated as an accepted genus, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym of Hysteroneura. The genus contains species associated with grass hosts.
Carolinaia howardii
Carolinaia howardii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the genus Carolinaia, a group of aphids associated with ferns and related plants. The species was described by Wilson in 1911. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Carolinaia rhois
Sumac-Grass Aphid
Carolinaia rhois is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Sumac-Grass Aphid. The species is associated with sumac (Rhus) as a primary host and grasses as secondary hosts, following the typical heteroecious life cycle of many aphids. Taxonomic records indicate some historical confusion regarding authorship, with both Monell (1879) and Tissot (1928) cited in different sources. The species has been documented through limited but verified observations, primarily in North America.
Catamergus
Catamergus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini, established by Oestlund in 1923. It belongs to the diverse group of Sternorrhyncha, a suborder of Hemiptera characterized by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Members of this genus are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with limited species-level information available.
Catamergus kickapoo
Catamergus kickapoo is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Hottes and Frison in 1931 from Kickapoo State Park, Illinois. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and is one of the few species in the genus Catamergus. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Cavariella
Willow-Umbellifer Aphids
Cavariella is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It is distinguished from other Macrosiphini genera by a supra-caudal process on abdominal tergite VIII bearing two distal setae. The genus has a Holarctic distribution with approximately half its species occurring in Asia. Species in this genus exhibit a characteristic life cycle involving primary hosts in Salicaceae (willows) and secondary hosts in Apiaceae (umbellifers), making them economically significant as pests of carrot and other crops.
Cedoaphis
Cedoaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It was established by Oestlund in 1923. The genus is part of the diverse Macrosiphini, one of the largest tribes of aphids, whose members are generally characterized by long siphunculi and association with herbaceous host plants.
Cerataphis
witch hazel aphid, palm aphid
Cerataphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Cerataphidini. The genus comprises approximately 10–12 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Species in this genus are associated with host plants in the families Styracaceae (witch hazels), Arecaceae (palms), and Orchidaceae. Several species exhibit host alternation between primary hosts (Styrax species) and secondary hosts (palms or orchids). Some species are economically significant as pests of coconut, oil palm, and ornamental palms.
Cerataphis orchidearum
Fringed Orchid Aphid
Cerataphis orchidearum is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the fringed orchid aphid. It has been recorded on orchid hosts (Orchidaceae) and on Daemonorops lewisiana, a rattan palm. The species has been observed in association with yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), which tend the aphids. Its distribution spans multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
Ceruraphis eriophori
Wayfaring Tree-sedge Aphid
Ceruraphis eriophori is an aphid species with a heteroecous life cycle involving host alternation between Viburnum species (primary hosts) and sedges or related plants (secondary hosts). In North America, it has been collected from curled leaves of Viburnum lantana and V. opulus in New Brunswick, and from V. opulus var. roseum in Colorado. The species also occurs in Europe, where secondary hosts include Carex, Eriophorum, Luzula, and Typha; in North America, Cyperus virens is the only reported secondary host. Activity peaks in spring and autumn on primary hosts.
Ceruraphis viburnicola
Snowball Aphid
An aphid species found in spring and autumn on Viburnum hosts in North America. It induces curled leaf galls on primary hosts. The secondary hosts remained unrecorded as of 1960. The apterous viviparous female was first described in a 1960 Canadian Entomologist paper.
Chaetosiphon
strawberry aphid
Chaetosiphon is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising species specialized on Rosaceae hosts, particularly strawberries (Fragaria) and roses (Rosa). The genus includes economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Chaetosiphon fragaefolii, which vectors multiple strawberry viruses. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles with both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (parthenogenetic) populations, and show morphological variation in karyotype and chaetotaxy that has complicated taxonomic classification.
Chaetosiphon thomasi
American Hairy Rose Aphid
Chaetosiphon thomasi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the American Hairy Rose Aphid. It was described by Hille Ris Lambers in 1953. The species belongs to a genus associated with feeding on Rosaceae plants, particularly roses and strawberries.
Chaitophorinae
Chaitophorinae is a subfamily of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising approximately 12 genera and over 180 described species. The subfamily is divided into two tribes: Chaitophorini, associated with deciduous trees and shrubs, and Siphini, associated with grasses. Members are characterized by numerous body setae and are predominantly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. The subfamily originated on Acer plants in eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous to early Paleocene, with subsequent dispersals and host shifts driving diversification.
Chaitophorini
Chaitophorini is a tribe of aphids in the subfamily Chaitophorinae, established by Mordvilko in 1909. Members are generally associated with woody host plants, particularly in the families Salicaceae and Aceraceae. The tribe includes several genera, with Chaitophorus being the most diverse and well-known. These aphids are characterized by specific morphological features of the antennae and siphunculi that distinguish them from other aphid tribes.
Chaitophorus
Poplar aphids, Willow aphids
Chaitophorus is a genus of aphids comprising approximately 90–110 species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are primarily associated with Salicaceae hosts, particularly Populus (poplars) and Salix (willows), though some species occur on Vitaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The genus exhibits host-specificity, with species-level identification often requiring knowledge of the host plant due to subtle morphological differences. Multiple independent origins of ant mutualism have been documented within the genus.
Chaitophorus nudus
Chaitophorus nudus is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Richards in 1966. It belongs to the genus Chaitophorus, a group of aphids commonly associated with woody plants in the family Salicaceae, particularly willows and poplars. As with other members of its genus, this species is likely a phloem-feeding specialist on its host plants. The species name 'nudus' (Latin for 'naked' or 'bare') may refer to morphological characteristics of the cuticle or reduced wax secretion.
Chaitophorus populifolii
Chaitophorus populifolii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Essig in 1912. It belongs to the subfamily Chaitophorinae, a group of aphids commonly associated with woody host plants, particularly in the Salicaceae family. The species name suggests an association with poplar foliage (Populus species). Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to feed on phloem sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Published records for this species are limited, with few documented observations.
Chaitophorus stevensis
Chaitophorus stevensis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Sanborn in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Chaitophorinae, a group of aphids commonly associated with woody hosts, particularly willows and poplars (Salicaceae). The species is poorly documented in published literature, with minimal observational records available. It is one of numerous species within the genus Chaitophorus, which comprises primarily North American and Palearctic aphids specialized on Salicaceae.
Chaitophorus viminalis
Chaitophorus viminalis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Monell in 1879. It belongs to the subfamily Chaitophorinae, a group of aphids primarily associated with woody hosts in the family Salicaceae (willows and poplars). The species is documented in North American aphid fauna records and is characterized by its specialized association with willow hosts.
Chaitophorus viminicola
Chaitophorus viminicola is an aphid species in the subfamily Chaitophorinae, first described by Hille Ris Lambers in 1960. The specific epithet 'viminicola' refers to its association with willows (Salix viminalis and related species). It belongs to a genus specialized on Salicaceae, with most Chaitophorus species feeding on poplars and willows. Records indicate presence in the conterminous United States, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Cinara costata
Mealy Spruce Aphid
Cinara costata is a large aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Mealy Spruce Aphid. It feeds on conifers, particularly spruce (Picea spp.), and is native to Europe where it has been documented in Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium, and France. Like other Cinara species, it produces honeydew that attracts ants and wasps. The species was first described by Zetterstedt in 1828 from specimens collected in Scandinavia.
Cinara curvipes
Bow-legged Fir Aphid
Cinara curvipes is a large, black bark aphid native to North America that has become invasive in Central Europe since 2000. Adults measure 4.5–5.3 mm. The species exhibits remarkable life cycle flexibility, with populations capable of both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (parthenogenetic) reproduction. In its invaded range, it can form exceptionally large colonies of thousands of individuals by May—a phenomenon not observed in native European Cinara species. The aphid secretes copious honeydew throughout most of the year, supporting diverse insect communities.
Cinara fornacula
Large Green Spruce Aphid
Cinara fornacula is a large aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Large Green Spruce Aphid. Like other members of the genus Cinara, it is associated with coniferous host plants, specifically spruce (Picea spp.). The species was described by Hottes in 1930. As with many Cinara aphids, it likely feeds on phloem sap and produces honeydew, though specific ecological studies on this species appear limited.
Cinara hottesi
Blue-black Spruce Aphid
Cinara hottesi is a species of conifer-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Blue-black Spruce Aphid. It belongs to the genus Cinara, which comprises large aphids specialized on conifers. The species is documented as a pest of spruce trees (Picea spp.) and has been recorded from North America.
Cinara laricifex
Black Larch Aphid
Cinara laricifex, commonly known as the Black Larch Aphid, is a conifer-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae. This species specializes on larch (Larix) as its host plant. Like other Cinara aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted to tap into the phloem of its host tree. The species is part of a genus that includes significant pests of Christmas tree production and forestry.
Cinara obscura
Dark Spruce Stem Aphid
Cinara obscura is a species of large aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Dark Spruce Stem Aphid. It is a conifer-feeding aphid that infests spruce trees (Picea species). Like other members of the genus Cinara, it possesses a long piercing-sucking beak adapted for tapping into phloem tissues. The species overwinters as eggs on host needles. It produces honeydew, which attracts ants and wasps and supports sooty mold growth.
Cinara pergandei
Globose Pine Aphid
Cinara pergandei is a large aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Globose Pine Aphid. It feeds on coniferous trees, particularly pines, and produces copious amounts of honeydew that attracts wasps and other insects. Like other Cinara species, it has piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for tapping into phloem sap. It is part of a genus containing numerous conifer-feeding aphids, many of which are significant pests in forestry and Christmas tree production.