Aphid
Guides
Macrosiphum salviae
Black Sage Aphid
Macrosiphum salviae, commonly known as the Black Sage Aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae described by Bartholomew in 1932. The species belongs to the genus Macrosiphum, a diverse group of aphids that includes several economically important agricultural pests. The specific epithet 'salviae' suggests an association with plants in the genus Salvia (sage), indicating a likely host relationship with sage species. The species has been documented through 38 observations on iNaturalist.
Macrosiphum tuberculaceps
sweet-after-death aphid
Macrosiphum tuberculaceps is an aphid species endemic to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is commonly known as the sweet-after-death aphid due to its exclusive association with its host plant, sweet-after-death (Achlys triphylla). The species exhibits distinctive morphological features including antennae longer than its teardrop-shaped body, short siphunculi inflated at the base with blackish tips, and legs longer than the body length. Its highly specialized host relationship makes it a notable example of monophagy among aphids.
Macrosiphum violae
Macrosiphum violae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Jensen in 2000. As a member of the genus Macrosiphum, it belongs to a group of aphids characterized by long siphunculi and typically associated with herbaceous host plants. The specific epithet "violae" suggests a potential association with Viola species (violets), though this host relationship has not been explicitly documented in the provided sources. The species is recognized as valid in GBIF and listed as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life.
Macrosiphum willamettense
Macrosiphum willamettense is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Jensen in 2000. As a member of the genus Macrosiphum, it belongs to a group of aphids commonly known as 'large aphids' or 'macrosiphum aphids,' many of which are significant agricultural pests. The specific epithet 'willamettense' refers to the Willamette region, likely indicating its type locality in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA. Like other Macrosiphum species, it possesses the characteristic long siphunculi (cornicles) that distinguish this genus from many other aphid genera.
Macrosiphum zionense
Resplendent Lupin Aphid
Macrosiphum zionense is an aphid species described by Knowlton in 1935. It belongs to the genus Macrosiphum, a group of aphids commonly associated with leguminous and other host plants. The species is known by the common name Resplendent Lupin Aphid, suggesting an association with lupin plants (Lupinus). Like other members of its genus, it likely possesses the typical aphid characteristics of piercing-sucking mouthparts and complex life cycles involving both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction.
Maculolachnus
Maculolachnus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Gaumont in 1920. Species in this genus are specialized feeders on woody plants in the family Rosaceae, particularly Rosa species. The genus has been documented in Europe, Northern America, and South Korea, with recent integrative taxonomic studies revealing previously unrecognized species diversity in East Asia.
Melanaphis
sugarcane aphid
Melanaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by van der Goot in 1917. The genus includes species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of sorghum and sugarcane. Melanaphis sacchari (sugarcane aphid) has become one of the most damaging insect pests of grain and forage sorghum in the United States since its first recorded occurrence on sorghum in Texas in 2013. Members of this genus are characterized by their parthenogenetic reproduction, rapid population growth, and production of honeydew.
Melanaphis bambusae
Waxy Bamboo Aphid
Melanaphis bambusae is a bamboo-feeding aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Waxy Bamboo Aphid. It is a documented pest of bamboo forests with economic and ecological significance, particularly in regions where bamboo cultivation occurs. The species has been studied for its microbiome interactions with entomopathogenic fungi, specifically Conidiobolus obscurus, which causes natural population mortality. Research indicates that infection by this fungus and starvation stress both significantly alter the aphid's bacterial and fungal community composition.
Melanaphis donacis
Giant Reed Aphid
Melanaphis donacis, commonly known as the Giant Reed Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. The species was first described by Passerini in 1861 under the basionym Aphis donacis. It is part of the genus Melanaphis, which includes other economically significant aphid species such as the sugarcane aphid (M. sacchari). Records indicate presence on several islands of the Azores archipelago.
Melanocallis
Melanocallis is a genus of aphids (Aphididae: Calaphidinae) established by Oestlund in 1923. The genus includes species associated with pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and related hickories. Melanocallis caryaefoliae, the black pecan aphid, is the best-known species and a documented pest of commercial pecan orchards.
Melanocallis caryaefoliae
Black Pecan Aphid
Melanocallis caryaefoliae, commonly known as the black pecan aphid, is a specialized pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Among aphid species attacking pecans, it produces the most severe foliar symptoms and achieves the highest mean density on susceptible cultivars. While feeding, it injects a toxin that causes bright yellow lesions between leaf veins, which subsequently turn brown and die. Premature defoliation from heavy infestations reduces nut fill and can diminish the following year's production. Unlike yellow pecan aphids, M. caryaefoliae is considered more destructive even at low densities, with economic thresholds as low as three aphids per compound leaf.
Melaphis
staghorn sumac aphid
Melaphis is a genus of woolly aphids in the family Aphididae, subtribe Melaphidina. The genus contains at least three cryptic species in North America: Melaphis rhois (the staghorn sumac aphid), Melaphis asafitchi, and Melaphis minuta. These aphids are notable for inducing galls on sumac and exhibiting ovoviviparity in sexual females.
Melaphis asafitchi
Melaphis asafitchi is a North American aphid species in the subtribe Melaphidina, described in 2018 following molecular and morphometric analysis that revealed cryptic species diversity within what was previously considered Melaphis rhois. It is one of at least three sympatric cryptic melaphidine species on the continent. The species exhibits ovoviviparity in sexual females, a notable reproductive trait among aphids.
Metopolophium
Metopolophium is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. Species in this genus are found in Eurasia, Australia, and North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests of cereal crops, particularly M. dirhodum (rose-grain aphid) and M. festucae (fescue aphid). The genus exhibits typical aphid life cycles with alternation between woody primary hosts (Rosa species) and herbaceous secondary hosts (Poaceae).
Metopolophium dirhodum
rose-grain aphid, rose-grass aphid
Metopolophium dirhodum is a globally distributed aphid species with a heteroecious life cycle alternating between rose (Rosa) as primary host and grasses, particularly cereal crops, as secondary hosts. It is a significant agricultural pest and vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), causing yield reductions in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. The species exhibits wing dimorphism with both apterous and alate morphs, and shows genetic variability in host plant adaptation among populations.
Micromus angulatus
brown lacewing
Micromus angulatus is a predatory brown lacewing (Hemerobiidae) distributed across Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, and Southern Asia. Both larvae and adults are active predators of aphids and other small soft-bodied insects, with third-instar larvae and female adults showing particularly high predation rates. The species has been extensively studied as a biological control agent against agricultural pests including Aphis craccivora, Illinoia lambersi, and Myzus persicae. Laboratory studies demonstrate temperature-dependent predation efficiency, with stable adult performance across 15–25°C and enhanced larval activity at warmer temperatures. A chromosome-level genome assembly of 1.29 Gb has been published, supporting its potential for augmentative biological control programs.
Microparsus
Microparsus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Patch in 1909. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini within the subfamily Aphidinae. The genus is part of the diverse aphid fauna of North America, with species recorded primarily from western regions. As with other aphids in this tribe, members likely possess relatively long siphunculi and are associated with host plants in the Asteraceae family.
Microparsus olivei
Microparsus olivei is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Smith & Tuatay in 1960. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini, a group of aphids characterized by long antennae and siphunculi. The genus Microparsus contains species associated with various host plants, though specific ecological details for M. olivei remain poorly documented. The species is recognized in taxonomic databases including GBIF and iNaturalist, though observations are extremely limited.
Microparsus tephrosiae
Microparsus tephrosiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Smith in 1948. The genus Microparsus is small and poorly documented, with few species records. Observations of this species are extremely rare, with only two records in iNaturalist. It belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini, which includes many aphids associated with specific host plants.
Microparsus variabilis
Desmodium Aphid
Microparsus variabilis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Patch in 1909. It is commonly known as the Desmodium Aphid, reflecting its association with plants in the genus Desmodium. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha suborder, it possesses piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem. The species belongs to the genus Microparsus, which is classified within the tribe Macrosiphini.
Microsiphoniella
Microsiphoniella is a genus of aphids within the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. Established by Hille Ris Lambers in 1947, it comprises small, sap-sucking insects that feed on vascular plants. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with no observations recorded in major biodiversity platforms. As a member of the Macrosiphini, it likely shares the tribe's characteristic of having relatively long siphunculi compared to other aphid groups.
Mindarinae
Mindarinae is a small subfamily of aphids within the family Aphididae, established by Tullgren in 1909. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate it from other aphid subfamilies. It includes the genus Mindarus, which contains species associated with coniferous trees.
Mindarus
balsam twig aphid
Mindarus is a genus of conifer-feeding aphids in the family Mindaridae, commonly known as balsam twig aphids. Species in this genus are specialized phloem feeders on fir trees (Abies spp.), where they cause needle discoloration, shoot deformation, and reduced aesthetic quality. Several species are significant economic pests in Christmas tree plantations, particularly M. abietinus on balsam fir and M. pinicola on Fraser fir. The genus exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with overwintering eggs, spring fundatrices, and summer parthenogenetic generations.
Mindarus abietinus
Balsam Twig Aphid, Fir Shoot Aphid
Mindarus abietinus is an economically significant pest of fir Christmas trees, particularly in commercial plantations of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea). The aphid causes leaf curling and shoot stunting of new foliage, reducing aesthetic quality and marketability despite having minimal impact on tree health and vigor. Temperature influences colony growth rates, with warmer conditions in late spring and early summer favoring higher population densities. The species has a holocyclic life cycle with precise seasonal timing tied to host phenology.
Monaphis
Monaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Walker in 1870. The genus belongs to the tribe Calaphidini within the subfamily Calaphidinae. Species in this genus are associated with birch trees (Betula spp.) as host plants. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and parts of Asia.
Monaphis antennata
Solitary Birch Aphid
Monaphis antennata is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Solitary Birch Aphid. It is a specialist feeder on birch trees (Betula spp.) and is distinguished from most other aphids by its solitary rather than colonial lifestyle. The species was described by Kaltenbach in 1843 and occurs across parts of Europe.
Monellia
Blackmargined aphid, Yellow pecan aphid
Monellia is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, native to North America. The genus includes notable pecan pest species, particularly Monellia caryella (blackmargined aphid) and Monellia costalis (yellow pecan aphid). These aphids feed on phloem sap from pecan and hickory trees, causing direct damage through sap removal and indirect damage via honeydew production that supports sooty mold growth. The genus is subject to significant biological control pressure from diverse natural enemy communities including lacewings, lady beetles, parasitoid wasps, and entomopathogenic fungi.
Monellia caryella
Blackmargined Pecan Aphid, Black Margined Aphid
Monellia caryella, commonly known as the blackmargined pecan aphid, is a small sap-feeding insect and significant pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchards in North America. Adults are distinguished by a prominent black stripe along the outer margin of their wings, which are held flat over the body. Populations typically increase from June to August, then decline after approximately three weeks; outbreaks on most cultivars usually subside without causing measurable damage, though the 'Cheyenne' cultivar is notably susceptible. The species is subject to substantial mortality from entomopathogenic fungi, particularly during autumn when environmental conditions favor fungal growth.
Monelliopsis
yellow pecan aphid
Monelliopsis is a genus of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the subfamily Calaphidinae, established by Richards in 1965. The genus contains species that are specialized feeders on pecan (Carya illinoinensis), with Monelliopsis pecanis being the most economically significant species. These aphids are known as 'yellow pecan aphids' and are important pests of commercial pecan production in North America. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and produce honeydew, which supports sooty mold growth. The genus is distinguished from the related Monellia by morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Monelliopsis pecanis
Yellow Pecan Aphid
Monelliopsis pecanis, commonly known as the yellow pecan aphid, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae that specializes on pecan (Carya illinoinensis). It is one of two primary 'yellow' or 'honeydew' aphid species affecting pecan production, distinguished from the blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella) by its roof-like wing posture and lack of a black marginal stripe on the wings. Outbreaks typically occur later in the growing season than those of M. caryella and can cause significant defoliation, reduced nut yield, and quality degradation. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with sexual forms appearing in autumn to produce overwintering eggs.
Monoctonina
Monoctonina is a subtribe of aphid parasitoid wasps within the subfamily Aphidiinae (Braconidae). Members are small parasitic wasps that develop within aphid hosts, eventually killing them. The subtribe includes genera such as Monoctonus and Falciconus, with species documented from high-elevation mountain habitats in Europe and Asia.
Mordwilkoja
Mordwilkoja is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Pemphiginae. Species in this genus induce galls on host plants and exhibit defensive behaviors against predators. The genus has been used as an outgroup in molecular studies of social behavior evolution in related aphid genera.
Mordwilkoja vagabunda
Poplar Vagabond Aphid
A gall-forming aphid that induces distinctive galls on Populus deltoides (eastern cottonwood). Nymphs exhibit anti-predator behaviors including synchronized rhythmic movements and active defense against pyralid moth larvae using legs and rostrums. Unlike some related aphids, defensive nymphs include alatoid forms rather than specialized first-instar soldiers. The species has a complex life cycle with alternation between primary and secondary hosts.
Myzaphis rosarum
Lesser Rose Aphid
Myzaphis rosarum is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Lesser Rose Aphid. It colonizes Rosa species and various trees, occurring on both wild and cultivated plants. The species serves as prey for aphidophagous predators including Hippodamia convergens, and has been documented as a suitable host supporting predator development in laboratory studies. It is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological characters.
Myzocallidina
Myzocallidina is a subtribe of aphids within the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1942. It is currently treated as a synonym in modern taxonomic databases. The subtribe belongs to the tribe Myzocallidini in the subfamily Calaphidinae, a group of aphids primarily associated with woody host plants. The subtribe classification reflects historical attempts to organize the diverse aphid fauna based on morphological and biological characteristics.
Myzocallis
Oak and Chestnut Aphids
Myzocallis is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) comprising over 40 species with diverse host associations. Species feed on woody plants including oaks (Quercus), chestnuts (Castanea), hazelnuts (Corylus), myrtle (Myrica), and milkweeds (Apocynaceae). The genus exhibits host-specificity at the species level, with some taxa restricted to single host genera. Several species are minor agricultural pests, particularly of hazelnut and chestnut. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with notable diversity in the Palearctic region.
Myzocallis agrifolicola
California Oak Aphid
Myzocallis agrifolicola is a species of oak-feeding aphid described by Richards in 1966. It is the type species for the subgenus Californicallis within the genus Myzocallis (Aphididae: Calaphidinae). The species is associated with oak trees (Quercus) in western North America, particularly California.
Myzocallis asclepiadis
Common Milkweed Aphid
Myzocallis asclepiadis is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Monell in 1879. The species epithet 'asclepiadis' indicates a host association with milkweeds (Asclepias). Taxonomic placement has been debated, with some sources treating it under the genus Neomyzocallis. It is commonly known as the Common Milkweed Aphid and has been documented in citizen science observations.
Myzocallis bella
Myzocallis bella is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae, originally described by Walsh in 1863. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it as a synonym of Lineomyzocallis bella, while others recognize it as valid under Myzocallis. As a member of the Myzocallidini tribe, it belongs to a group of aphids typically associated with woody host plants, particularly in the Fagaceae family.
Myzocallis castaneae
Chestnut Gay Louse
Myzocallis castaneae is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Chestnut Gay Louse. It is a specialist feeder on Castanea species, including American chestnut (Castanea dentata) and related chestnut trees. The species was first described by Fitch in 1856. Like other aphids, it feeds by piercing plant tissue and extracting phloem sap.
Myzocallis coryli
Hazel Aphid, Filbert Aphid
Myzocallis coryli, commonly known as the hazel aphid or filbert aphid, is a specialist phloem-feeding aphid that exclusively infests species of the genus Corylus (hazelnuts). Native to Europe, it has established populations in North America and was first recorded in Tasmania in 2019 as a recent introduction. The species is a significant agricultural pest in hazelnut orchards, particularly in Oregon and Turkey, where heavy infestations can stunt nut development and reduce commercial viability. Population dynamics are strongly temperature-dependent, with optimal development around 22°C and decline above 25°C.
Myzocallis discolor
Eastern dusky-winged oak aphid
Myzocallis discolor is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the eastern dusky-winged oak aphid. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources placing it in the genus Neomyzocallis. It is associated with oak hosts (Quercus species). The species was first described by Monell in 1879 under the basionym Callipterus discolor.
Myzocallis granovskyi
Longtailed oak aphid
Aphid species in the genus Myzocallis, described by Boudreaux and Tissot in 1962. Taxonomic placement has been revised, with some sources placing it in the genus Lineomyzocallis. Known from limited observations; biological details remain poorly documented.
Myzocallis meridionalis
Hamburger oak aphid
Myzocallis meridionalis is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Granovsky in 1939. The species has been reclassified under the genus Lineomyzocallis in some taxonomic treatments, though it remains listed under Myzocallis in other sources. Commonly known as the Hamburger oak aphid, it is associated with oak trees (Quercus species). The species has been documented through 33 research-grade observations on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Myzocallis punctatus
Myzocallis punctatus is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, currently treated as a synonym of Neomyzocallis asclepiadis. The specific epithet 'punctatus' refers to spotted or punctured appearance. As a member of the Calaphidinae subfamily and Myzocallidini tribe, it belongs to a group of aphids associated with woody host plants. The taxonomic status indicates this name is no longer accepted as valid, having been synonymized under a different genus.
Myzocallis tuberculata
Tuberculate oak aphid
Myzocallis tuberculata is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, described by Richards in 1965. The species has been synonymized under the genus Neomyzocallis in some taxonomic treatments, reflecting ongoing revisions within the Myzocallis complex. It is known by the common name "Tuberculate oak aphid," indicating an association with oak host plants. The species belongs to the tribe Myzocallidini, a group of aphids predominantly associated with Fagaceae, particularly oaks (Quercus).
Myzus
Myzus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae with cosmopolitan distribution, originally native to the Old World. The genus contains economically significant pest species, most notably Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), which is a major vector of plant viruses affecting crops worldwide. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles involving host alternation between primary woody hosts and secondary herbaceous hosts. Several Myzus species have been extensively studied for their role in agricultural pest management and virus transmission.
Myzus cerasi
black cherry aphid, cherry blackfly
Myzus cerasi, commonly known as the black cherry aphid or cherry blackfly, is a phloem-feeding aphid native to Europe that has become cosmopolitan in distribution. The species exhibits complex host alternation between primary hosts (Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium) and secondary hosts (Galium and Veronica species). Two host-specific subspecies are recognized: M. c. cerasi on sour cherry and M. c. pruniavium on sweet cherry, distinguished by mitochondrial COI haplotypes and subtle morphological differences. The species is a significant agricultural pest of cherry orchards, forming dense colonies that cause leaf curling and damage to new growth.
Myzus lythri
loosestrife aphid
Myzus lythri is a specialized aphid species that feeds exclusively on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). It has been used as an indicator species to track the distribution and spread of this invasive weed in North America. Suction trap surveys in Idaho demonstrated that aphid collection patterns successfully predicted undocumented purple loosestrife populations, representing a novel application of insect survey data for weed documentation.
Myzus persicae
green peach aphid, greenfly, peach-potato aphid
Myzus persicae is a globally distributed aphid pest with a life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp., especially peach) and secondary herbaceous hosts across 40 plant families. The species exhibits cyclical parthenogenesis in most populations, with sexual reproduction and egg-laying restricted to autumn on primary hosts. It is the most economically important aphid vector of plant viruses, capable of transmitting over 100 different viruses to crops including potato, tobacco, and brassicas. Some genotypes have lost sexual reproduction entirely, becoming obligate parthenogens that persist year-round on secondary hosts.