Aphid
Guides
Cinara pilicornis
spruce shoot aphid, brown spruce shoot aphid
Cinara pilicornis is a large aphid species specialized on spruce trees, particularly Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). Native to Europe, it has been introduced to New Zealand and South Korea. The species produces melezitose, a trisaccharide sugar, and is associated with specific semiochemicals including nepetalactone compounds. It is attended by ants such as Formica polyctena and serves as a host for Entomophthora fungi, though it experiences low parasitism by the wasp Pauesia pini.
Cinara pinea
Large Pine Aphid
Cinara pinea, the Large Pine Aphid, is a specialized phloem-feeding insect that colonizes Pinus species, particularly Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). It exhibits distinctive seasonal population dynamics, with spring peaks driven by host plant amino acid availability, followed by summer declines during drought conditions and partial autumn recoveries after rainfall. The species overwinters as eggs laid on current-year needles, with approximately 50% egg mortality between oviposition and hatching. Winged morphs (alatae) are produced only during June and early July, contingent on both crowding and active host shoot growth.
Cinara strobi
White Pine Aphid
Cinara strobi, the white pine aphid, is a large aphid species specialized on white pine (Pinus strobus). It is notable for exceptionally high autumn populations that produce copious honeydew, attracting stinging wasps and creating nuisance conditions. The species exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction during the growing season, with live birth of nymphs accelerating population growth. Uniquely among Cinara aphids, C. strobi harbors three bacterial endosymbionts—Buchnera aphidicola, Sodalis sp., and Serratia symbiotica—representing an intermediate stage of symbiont replacement where the latter has become metabolically incompetent yet persists.
Colopha
Colopha is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by Monell in 1877. Species in this genus induce distinctive galls on host plants, most notably the elm cockscomb gall on American elm. The genus exhibits complex life cycles involving host alternation between woody plants and grasses, with both bisexual and unisexual reproductive strategies documented across species.
Colopha graminis
Colopha graminis is a gall-forming aphid in the family Aphididae, closely related to the well-studied elm cockscomb gall aphid Colopha ulmicola. Like other members of the genus Colopha, this species exhibits a complex life cycle involving host alternation and gall formation on its primary host, followed by migration to grass roots for summer feeding. The species was described by Monell in 1882 and belongs to the subfamily Eriosomatinae, a group characterized by their tendency to induce plant galls and their often elaborate seasonal host-switching behaviors.
Colopha ulmicola
Elm Cockscomb Gall Aphid
Colopha ulmicola is an aphid species that induces distinctive cockscomb-shaped galls on American elm leaves. It has a complex life cycle involving alternation between elm hosts and grass roots, with parthenogenetic reproduction within galls and sexual reproduction producing winged migrants that return to elm in autumn. The species is notable for its dramatic seasonal aerial migrations and its ability to manipulate plant development through chemical secretions.
Corylobium
Corylobium is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Mordvilko in 1914. The genus is known from Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. At least one species, Corylobium avellanae, has been described. As members of Aphididae, these are sap-feeding insects.
Corylobium avellanae
Large Hazel Aphid
Corylobium avellanae, known as the Large Hazel Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is associated with hazel (Corylus species) as its primary host plant. The species has been recorded across parts of northwestern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini within the subfamily Aphidinae.
Ctenocallis
Ctenocallis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae. At least one species, C. setosa, has been documented as adventive in Japan, representing the first Asian record for a genus otherwise native to Europe. The genus is characterized by species associated with leguminous host plants.
Dendrocerus
Dendrocerus is a genus of megaspilid wasps in the family Megaspilidae, comprising more than 100 described species. Members of this genus are hyperparasitoids, primarily attacking aphid parasitoids in the family Braconidae (Aphidiinae), particularly Aphidius species. The genus is characterized by elaborate branched antennae and specialized morphological adaptations for host location and exploitation. Some species exhibit nocturnal activity patterns and unique extrication structures for emerging from hosts.
Diaeretiella
Diaeretiella is a monotypic genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. The sole species, Diaeretiella rapae, is a cosmopolitan koinobiont endoparasitoid of aphids with documented occurrence in 87 countries. It has been recorded parasitizing approximately 98 aphid species across more than 180 plant species in 43 plant families, with particular association to cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) on cruciferous crops. The genus is recognized as an important biological control agent in integrated pest management systems.
Drepanaphis
Painted maple aphids
Drepanaphis is a Nearctic genus of aphids comprising 18 species, all native to North America. These insects are narrow oligophages primarily associated with maple trees (Acer spp.), with one species (D. monelli) recorded on buckeye. The genus is characterized by distinct dorsal abdominal tubercles, very long antennae, and reduced leg chaetotaxy. Drepanaphis acerifoliae, the painted maple aphid, has the broadest distribution and is the only species introduced to Europe. Unlike many aphids, Drepanaphis species do not form dense colonies and are not attended by ants.
Drepanaphis acerifoliae
painted maple aphid
Drepanaphis acerifoliae, commonly known as the painted maple aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is one of 16 species in the genus Drepanaphis, all native to North America. This species has the broadest geographic range among its congeners and is the only member of the genus known to have been introduced to Europe, where it has established populations in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Climate modeling suggests potential for further northward expansion in both North America and Europe over the coming decades.
Drepanaphis carolinensis
Drepanaphis carolinensis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. It was described by Smith in 1941. The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a sickle-shaped cauda, from which the genus name derives. Like other aphids in this genus, D. carolinensis is likely associated with maple trees (Acer spp.) as host plants, though specific host records for this species are limited. The species name 'carolinensis' suggests a connection to the Carolinas region of the United States.
Drepanaphis idahoensis
Drepanaphis idahoensis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. The species was described by Smith & Dillery in 1968. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, sap-sucking insect that feeds on host plants using piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by certain morphological features of the antennae and siphunculi.
Drepanaphis keshenae
Drepanaphis keshenae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae. First described by Granovsky in 1931, this species belongs to a genus of aphids that are typically associated with maple trees (Acer spp.). The genus Drepanaphis is characterized by distinctive morphological features and life history traits tied to their host plant relationships. Like other members of its subfamily, D. keshenae is presumed to have complex life cycles involving both sexual and asexual reproduction phases, with host alternation potentially occurring between maple species.
Drepanaphis monelli
Drepanaphis monelli is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described by Davis in 1909 under the basionym Phymatosiphum monelli. It belongs to the genus Drepanaphis, a group of aphids within the subfamily Drepanosiphinae. The species has been documented in at least two observations on iNaturalist. As with other members of its genus, it is likely associated with specific host plants, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Drepanaphis sabrinae
Drepanaphis sabrinae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Drepanosiphinae, described by Miller in 1937. The genus Drepanaphis belongs to a group of aphids commonly associated with maple trees (Acer spp.), though specific host associations for this species are not well documented. Like other aphids, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts for feeding on plant phloem. The species has been recorded in the Nearctic region with limited observational data available.
Drepanosiphinae
Drepanosiphinae is a Holarctic subfamily of aphids within Aphididae, comprising approximately 13 genera (8 extinct) and over 60 described species. The six extant genera—Drepanaphis, Drepanosiphoniella, Drepanosiphum, Megalosiphonaphis, Shenahweum, and Yamatocallis—exhibit strict host associations primarily with maple trees (Acer spp.). The subfamily is characterized by enlarged fore or mid femora and rastral spines on hind tibiae. Molecular phylogenetic studies confirm its monophyly and reveal complex endosymbiotic relationships with both Buchnera aphidicola and Sodalis-like bacteria in most species.
Drepanosiphum
sycamore aphids, maple aphids
A genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with maple trees (Acer). Species include economically significant pests such as the sycamore aphid (D. platanoidis), which has been extensively studied for its complex life cycle involving wing dimorphism, seasonal polyphenism, and host-dependent reproductive strategies. The genus exhibits sophisticated flight behavior correlated with body size and wing loading, and serves as a model system for studying aphid population dynamics and predator-prey interactions.
Drepanosiphum oregonensis
Dark-streaked Maple Aphid
Drepanosiphum oregonensis is a North American aphid species described by Granovsky in 1939, commonly known as the Dark-streaked Maple Aphid. It belongs to the genus Drepanosiphum, which comprises aphids specialized on maple (Acer) host plants. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Drepanosiphum oregonense in some taxonomic treatments. Very few observations exist in biodiversity databases, suggesting it may be uncommon, undercollected, or restricted to specific geographic regions.
Drepanosiphum platanoidis
sycamore aphid, maple aphid
Drepanosiphum platanoidis is a small aphid species specialized on maple and sycamore trees (Acer species). It is one of the most abundant aphids on sycamore in Europe and has been introduced to other regions including New Zealand. The species is notable for its distinctive winged morphs and its role in temperate forest ecosystems. It reproduces parthenogenetically through most of the year, with sexual forms appearing in autumn.
Dysaphis
Dysaphis is a genus of aphids comprising over 100 species distributed across Europe, North America, and Australia. Species within this genus are primarily associated with dicotyledonous host plants, though some have been recorded on monocots. Several species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Dysaphis plantaginea (rosy apple aphid), which infests apple orchards. Like other aphids, Dysaphis species maintain an obligate nutritional symbiosis with the bacterium Buchnera, which enables them to subsist on phloem sap by synthesizing essential amino acids.
Ericaphis
blueberry aphids
Ericaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1939. The genus includes species associated with Ericaceae, particularly Vaccinium species. Ericaphis fimbriata, the type species, is a significant pest of cultivated highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Species in this genus exhibit typical aphid life cycles with both aperous and alate morphs, and are known vectors of plant viruses.
Ericaphis gentneri
Ericaphis gentneri is an aphid species described by Mason in 1947. It belongs to the genus Ericaphis, which is associated with ericaceous host plants. The species is part of the tribe Macrosiphini, a large group of aphids that includes many economically important and host-specific species. Like other Ericaphis species, it is presumed to feed on plants in the heath family (Ericaceae), though specific host records for this species are limited in available sources.
Eriosoma americanum
Woolly Elm Aphid
Eriosoma americanum, commonly known as the woolly elm aphid, is a North American aphid species that alternates between two host plants: American elm (Ulmus americana) and Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia). The species produces distinctive woolly or cottony wax secretions that give it its common name. Heavy infestations on American elm cause leaf curling and produce visible dark patches and cottony masses. Like other aphids, it excretes honeydew while feeding on plant sap.
Eriosomatinae
Woolly Aphids, Gall-making Aphids
Eriosomatinae is a subfamily of aphids distinguished by filamentous waxy secretions that produce a cotton-like or woolly appearance. Members exhibit typically heteroecious holocyclic life cycles, alternating between primary and secondary host plants, with strong primary host plant specialization. Many species induce galls on primary hosts, particularly on Ulmaceae (elms, zelkovas), Salicaceae (poplars), and Anacardiaceae (sumacs). The subfamily contains three tribes: Eriosomatini, Fordini, and Pemphigini.
Eucallipterus tiliae
Linden aphid, Lime-tree aphid, Lime Leaf Aphid
Eucallipterus tiliae is a specialist aphid species feeding exclusively on Tilia (lime/linden) trees. Adults are readily identified by a black stripe along the body and cloudy-black wing edges. The species exhibits pronounced seasonal polyphenism in nymphal pigmentation, with first-generation nymphs always unpigmented and later generations developing black dorsal bands in response to crowding and leaf maturity. Flight behavior is density-dependent, with both direct crowding and plant-mediated cues stimulating dispersal. Native to Eurasia, it has established worldwide wherever host Tilia species occur.
Eucarazzia
Eucarazzia is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It was established by Del Guercio in 1921. The genus is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature compared to other aphid genera. Species within this genus are associated with specific host plants, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Eucarazzia elegans
Mediterranean Mint Aphid
Eucarazzia elegans, commonly known as the Mediterranean Mint Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It has been documented in the Azores, Madeira, Brazil (São Paulo), and the conterminous United States. The species belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini and was first described by Ferrari in 1872. As a member of the Aphididae, it possesses the characteristic piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles typical of aphids, though specific biological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Euceraphis gillettei
American Alder Aphid
Euceraphis gillettei, commonly known as the American Alder Aphid, is a North American aphid species in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the genus Euceraphis, which comprises aphids associated with alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species was described by Davidson in 1915 and is distinguished from its congener Euceraphis punctipennis primarily by geographic distribution and host preferences.
Euceraphis papyrifericola
Paper Birch Aphid
A host-specific aphid species described in 2002, distinguished from close relatives by morphometric differences and karyotype. Restricted to paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Part of a cryptic species complex previously grouped under E. betulae.
Euceraphis punctipennis
downy birch aphid, European birch aphid
Euceraphis punctipennis is a small green aphid species that feeds exclusively on downy birch (Betula pubescens). Adults are pale green with bluish wax particles, membranous wings, and long legs. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with all adults being female. Population dynamics correlate with seasonal changes in host tree sap nutritional quality.
Eulachnini
Eulachnini is a tribe of aphids within the subfamily Lachninae, comprising approximately 27 species documented in Lithuania alone. Members are specialized phloem-feeders on coniferous plants, particularly Pinaceae. Several species produce substantial honeydew, with five noted as promising honeydew producers in Lithuanian forests. Only Cinara piceae has been identified as a potential forest pest, with documented damage to firs in nursery settings.
Eulachnus
Pine Needle Aphids
Eulachnus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising approximately 24 species distributed across Eurasia and the Americas. All species are obligately associated with pine trees (Pinus spp.), feeding on phloem sap from needles. Several species, including E. agilis, E. brevipilosus, and E. rileyi, have been introduced beyond their native European ranges and have become significant pests of commercial pine forestry. The genus exhibits parthenogenetic reproduction with multiple overlapping generations annually, and population dynamics are strongly influenced by seasonal climate patterns.
Greenidea psidii
Greenidea psidii is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, subfamily Greenideinae. It was described by van der Goot in 1917 and has been recorded in Brazil, Hawaii, and the continental United States. The species is associated with host plants in the genus Psidium, particularly Psidium guajava (guava) and Psidium cattleianum (strawberry guava). It has been recently detected as a non-native species in new geographic regions, raising interest in its potential as an emerging pest.
Grylloprociphilus
woolly beech aphid, boogie-woogie aphid, beech blight aphid
Grylloprociphilus is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Smith & Pepper in 1968. The genus contains at least one described species, G. imbricator, commonly known as the woolly beech aphid or boogie-woogie aphid. These aphids are notable for producing dense white waxy secretions that cloak host tree branches, and for their distinctive defensive behavior of synchronized posterior swaying when disturbed. The genus exhibits heteroecious holocyclic life cycles with host alternation between primary and secondary hosts.
Grylloprociphilus imbricator
Beech Blight Aphid, Woolly Beech Aphid, Boogie-Woogie Aphid
Grylloprociphilus imbricator, commonly known as the beech blight aphid or boogie-woogie aphid, is a small sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae. It forms dense colonies on American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia), covering branches with thick blankets of fluffy white wax produced from specialized abdominal glands. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving both beech and cypress hosts, with parthenogenetic reproduction on beech and root-feeding stages on cypress. When disturbed, colonies perform a distinctive synchronized swaying behavior that gives rise to their common name.
Gypsoaphis
Gypsoaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Oestlund in 1923. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini within the subfamily Aphidinae. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with no observations recorded on iNaturalist and limited published information available regarding its biology or species composition.
Hamamelistes
Spiny Witch-Hazel Gall Aphid (for H. spinosus), Birch Blister Aphid (for H. betulinus)
Hamamelistes is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the tribe Hormaphidini, distributed disjunctly in eastern North America and Eurasia. Species in this genus induce pouch galls on host plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, particularly witch-hazel (Hamamelis spp.). Most species have host-alternating life cycles involving Hamamelis and birch (Betula spp.), though at least one species is presumed monoecious. The genus includes three described species: H. betulinus, H. cristafoliae, and H. spinosus, plus the recently described H. blackmani.
Hannabura
Hannabura is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Calaphidini, established by Matsumura in 1917. The genus is placed within the subfamily Calaphidinae, a group of aphids often associated with woody host plants. As with many aphid genera, species-level taxonomy and biology of Hannabura remain incompletely documented in accessible literature.
Hannabura alnosa
Hannabura alnosa is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described as Calaphis alnosa by Pepper in 1950. It belongs to the subfamily Calaphidinae and tribe Calaphidini. The specific epithet "alnosa" suggests an association with alder (Alnus), though this relationship requires confirmation from primary sources.
Harmonia dimidiata
Greater Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia dimidiata is a medium to large predaceous ladybird beetle (7.4–10 mm) native to southern Asia with introduced populations in North America. Adults display reddish-yellow elytra with black markings in a thirteen-spot pattern. The species is a voracious aphid predator with documented prey including Rhopalosiphum maidis, Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae, and Aphis pomi. Temperature strongly influences its development, fecundity, and predatory capacity, with optimal performance at 24°C. Males produce yellow reflex blood containing harmonine as both chemical defense and nuptial gift during courtship.
Hayhurstia
Hayhurstia is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, containing the single species H. atriplicis. The genus is notable for its role in biological control research, as populations serve as reservoirs for parasitoids that have been used in pest management programs. It is associated with Chenopodium (goosefoot) plants in agricultural and urban environments.
Hayhurstia atriplicis
Chenopodium aphid, Saltbush Leaf-Fold Aphid
Hayhurstia atriplicis is a holocyclic, monoecious aphid species associated with Chenopodium host plants. It is considered economically indifferent but serves as a perennial reservoir for parasitoid species, particularly Diaretiella rapae and Ephedrus nacheri. These parasitoids have been utilized in biological control programs targeting other pest aphids, including Diuraphis noxia and Schizaphis graminum.
Hoplochaitophorus quercicola
Hoplochaitophorus quercicola is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Monell in 1879. The species name quercicola (from Latin quercus "oak" + -cola "dweller") indicates an association with oak hosts. It belongs to the tribe Myzocallidini, a group of aphids predominantly associated with woody host plants. Published records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available.
Hormaphidinae
Hormaphidinae is a subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) distinguished by complex life cycles involving gall formation on primary host plants and often host alternation. The subfamily includes three tribes—Cerataphidini, Hormaphidini, and Nipponaphidini—with approximately 50 genera distributed primarily in eastern and southeastern Asia, with some representatives in North America. Many species produce specialized sterile soldiers for colony defense and exhibit diverse gall morphologies, from simple leaf curls to elaborate multi-cavity structures.
Hormaphis
witch hazel aphids, palm aphids
Hormaphis is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, containing at least three described species distributed mainly in eastern North America. The genus includes the witch hazel cone gall aphid (H. hamamelidis), which induces distinctive cone-shaped galls on witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Species in this genus exhibit complex host plant manipulation, including alteration of host phenolic metabolism to create favorable gall environments. The life cycle involves a bet-hedging strategy where eggs hatch before host budbreak to ensure gall formation opportunities.
Hyadaphis coriandri
coriander aphid
Hyadaphis coriandri is a species of aphid specialized on coriander (Coriandrum sativum), where it is considered a major pest. It has been documented as a prey species for the ladybird beetle Menochilus sexmaculatus in laboratory biocontrol studies, though it supports predator development with reduced growth metrics compared to alternative aphid hosts. The species has a wide geographic distribution including parts of Asia, Europe (Madeira), and North America (Hawaii, conterminous United States).
Hyadaphis foeniculi
Fennel Aphid
Hyadaphis foeniculi is a cosmopolitan aphid species and major pest of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), native to Mediterranean regions and introduced to Brazil and other areas. Laboratory studies demonstrate strict thermal requirements: nymph development occurs only between 15-30°C, with 3°C and 33°C lethal. The species exhibits four nymphal instars with temperature-dependent development rates, completing the nymphal stage in 5 days at 30°C to 19 days at 15°C. Winged adults reproduce parthenogenetically, forming colonies inside fennel flowers during hot periods. The aphid vectors at least 12 plant viruses and produces honeydew that facilitates sooty mold growth, compounding crop damage.