Aphid
Guides
Prociphilus tessellatus
Woolly Alder Aphid, Maple Blight Aphid
Prociphilus tessellatus, commonly known as the woolly alder aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is notable for producing dense white, waxy filaments that cover its body, giving it a distinctive woolly or cloud-like appearance. The species has been observed forming colonies on alder (Alnus) species, including European alder (Alnus glutinosa). It serves as prey for various predators, including the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). The waxy secretions are believed to provide protection against predators and environmental conditions.
Protaphis
Protaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Börner in 1952. The genus includes species that are agricultural pests, with at least one species (Protaphis middletonii) known to infest millets. Records indicate presence in parts of Europe.
Protaphis middletonii
Corn Root Aphid
Protaphis middletonii is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, described by Thomas in 1879. It is commonly known as the Corn Root Aphid. The species is recognized as a pest of millets and other cereal crops. It has been documented in Brazil and is represented by limited but confirmed observations.
Protopterocallis
Protopterocallis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Richards in 1965. It belongs to the tribe Panaphidini within the subfamily Calaphidinae. The genus is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited species descriptions and biological data available. Observations of this genus are rare, with only a handful of records in biodiversity databases.
Pseudasiphonaphis
Pseudasiphonaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Robinson in 1965. It belongs to the tribe Rhopalosiphina within the subfamily Aphidinae. The genus is represented by a small number of species and has limited observational records.
Pseudasiphonaphis corni
Waxy Dogwood Aphid
Pseudasiphonaphis corni, commonly known as the Waxy Dogwood Aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It belongs to the tribe Rhopalosiphina within the subfamily Aphidinae. The species was described by Tissot in 1929. As a member of the genus Pseudasiphonaphis, it is part of a group of aphids associated with specific host plants.
Pseudoepameibaphis
Pseudoepameibaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini, established by Gillette and Palmer in 1932. The genus belongs to a diverse group of aphids characterized by elongated siphunculi and association with host plants in the Asteraceae family. Species within this genus are relatively poorly documented in modern literature.
Pterocallis
Alder Aphids
Pterocallis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Pterocallidini. Species in this genus are associated with alder trees (Alnus spp.) as their primary hosts. The genus occurs across Europe, Northern America, and New Zealand. The most studied species, Pterocallis alni, feeds on common alder (Alnus glutinosa) and exhibits temperature-driven population dynamics.
Pterocomma
Willow Bark Aphids
Pterocomma is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, commonly known as willow bark aphids. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding insects primarily associated with woody host plants in the genus Salix (willows) and Populus (poplars). The genus exhibits a specialized ecological relationship with ants, which frequently tend colonies and mediate dispersal between host plants. Pterocomma species harbor the obligate bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola, which provides essential amino acids necessary for survival on their nutrient-poor phloem sap diet.
Pterocomma bicolor
Reddish-brown Willow Bark Aphid
Pterocomma bicolor is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Reddish-brown Willow Bark Aphid. It was described by Oestlund in 1887. The species belongs to the tribe Macrosiphini within the subfamily Aphidinae. As a member of the genus Pterocomma, it is associated with willow (Salix) host plants, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pterocomma populeum
Poplar Bark Aphid
Pterocomma populeum is an aphid species specialized on poplar trees (Populus spp.). It forms dense colonies on branches and in bark crevices, feeding on phloem sap. The species relies on the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to obtain essential amino acids absent from its carbohydrate-rich diet. Heavy infestations can cause shoot dieback in poplar plantations.
Pterocomma rufipes
Rufous Willow Bark Aphid
Pterocomma rufipes is a species of bark-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae, originally described from Europe by Hartig in 1841. The species is associated with willow (Salix) hosts and is characterized by its reddish leg coloration, referenced in its specific epithet. As a member of the genus Pterocomma, it exhibits the typical morphology of bark-dwelling aphids with reduced cornicles and a flattened body form adapted to living in crevices.
Pterocomma salicis
Black willow bark aphid
A bark-feeding aphid specialized on willow trees, commonly known as the black willow bark aphid. Forms mutualistic relationships with ants, particularly Lasius niger, which actively transport and tend colonies. The species has been documented in ant-mediated dispersal studies, suggesting ants may evaluate host quality when relocating aphid colonies.
Pterocomma smithiae
black willow aphid
Pterocomma smithiae is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the black willow aphid. It is specialized on willow (Salix) hosts and is notable for its dark coloration and tendency to form dense colonies on twigs and branches. The species has been documented across North America and is frequently observed by naturalists.
Purshivora insignita
Purshivora insignita is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. It is associated with host plants in the genus Purshia (bitterbrush), from which its generic name is derived. The species is known from western North America. It is a specialist feeder with a narrow host range.
Purshivora media
Purshivora media is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. It is a specialist feeder associated with plants in the genus Purshia, commonly known as bitterbrush or cliffrose. The species is native to western North America where its host plants occur in arid and semi-arid shrubland habitats. Like other aphids, it reproduces parthenogenetically during favorable conditions.
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Rhopalomyzus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. The genus was established by Mordvilko in 1921 and contains at least three described species. Species occur in Europe and North America, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Rhopalosiphoninus
Rhopalosiphoninus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. Species in this genus are distributed across Europe, Australia, and North America. The genus includes both above-ground and subterranean-feeding species. At least one species, Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon, is restricted to potato roots due to climatic intolerance of aerial conditions.
Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon
bulb-and-potato aphid
Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon is an aphid species that infests subterranean plant parts, particularly potato roots and bulbs of ornamental plants such as tulip and gladiolus. Its common name reflects its association with both bulb crops and potatoes. The species is distinguished by its preference for cool, damp environments and avoidance of above-ground foliage under normal field conditions. Two subspecies have been described but may be synonyms.
Rhopalosiphum
Cherry-Grass Aphids
Rhopalosiphum is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising approximately 16-17 species worldwide. Species within this genus are significant agricultural pests, feeding on phloem of host plants and causing direct damage to crops. Several species, notably Rhopalosiphum padi (bird cherry-oat aphid) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid), are important vectors of plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and maize dwarf mosaic virus. The genus exhibits typical aphid characteristics including polymorphism with both winged and wingless forms, and parthenogenetic reproduction in favorable conditions.
Rhopalosiphum enigmae
cattail aphid
Rhopalosiphum enigmae is a cattail aphid species in the family Aphididae, first described by Hottes and Frison in 1931. Recent taxonomic work has clarified its classification, including a new synonymy. The species is associated with cattail habitats and has documented relationships with ants and parasitoid wasps, though specific details of these associations remain limited in available literature.
Rhopalosiphum maidis
Corn Leaf Aphid, Corn Aphid
Rhopalosiphum maidis is a globally distributed aphid species and the most economically damaging aphid pest of maize (Zea mays), particularly in tropical and warmer temperate regions. It feeds on phloem sap and causes direct damage through photoassimilate removal. Dense populations can deposit large amounts of honeydew on maize tassels, preventing pollen shed and reducing yield by up to 90%. The species transmits several destructive plant viruses including Maize yellow dwarf virus, Barley yellow dwarf virus, Sugarcane mosaic virus, and Cucumber mosaic virus. Most populations reproduce parthenogenetically (anholocyclic), though sexual reproduction has been reported in Pakistan and Korea with Prunus species as primary hosts.
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae
waterlily aphid, water lily aphid
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, the waterlily aphid, is a cosmopolitan, host-alternating aphid species with a unique ability to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is a significant agricultural pest that damages crops through direct herbivory and as a vector for plant viruses, particularly affecting Prunus spp. fruits and various aquatic plants. The species exhibits complex life history traits including rapid population growth (intrinsic rate of increase 0.315 day⁻¹, doubling time 2.2 days) and strong host preferences among aquatic vegetation.
Rhopalosiphum padi
bird cherry-oat aphid, oat-bird cherry aphid, apple-grain aphid
Rhopalosiphum padi is a globally distributed aphid species and major pest of temperate cereal crops. It exhibits a complex life cycle involving host alternation between a woody primary host (Prunus padus, bird cherry) and herbaceous secondary hosts including barley, oats, wheat, and other grasses. The species is the principal vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and several other economically important plant viruses. Unlike some cereal aphids, it does not inject toxins while feeding, so direct damage from feeding is generally less severe than virus transmission losses.
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
rice root aphid, red rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale is a globally distributed root-feeding aphid pest with a remarkably broad host range spanning 22 plant families. Native to East Asia, it has established populations across every continent except Antarctica. The species exhibits a heteroecious holocyclic life cycle in its native range, alternating between Prunus species (primary hosts) and herbaceous plant roots (secondary hosts), though asexual reproduction dominates in temperate regions and protected cultivation. Its subterranean habit makes detection difficult and management challenging. The aphid vectors several economically important plant viruses including barley yellow dwarf virus and sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and has emerged as a significant pest of indoor-grown cannabis in North America.
Saltusaphidinae
sedge aphids
Saltusaphidinae is a subfamily of aphids comprising 49 species across 12 genera. Members are commonly known as sedge aphids due to their specialized association with Cyperaceae (sedges). The group is divided into two tribes: Saltusaphidini and Thripsaphidini. One species, Iziphya leegei, is exceptional in feeding on Juncus (rushes) rather than sedges.
Sanbornia
Sanbornia is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, established by Baker in 1920. The genus belongs to the tribe Aphidini within the subfamily Aphidinae. As a member of the Sternorrhyncha, species in this genus possess piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for feeding on plant phloem. The genus is recognized in major taxonomic databases including Catalogue of Life, GBIF, and NCBI Taxonomy.
Sanbornia juniperi
Sanbornia juniperi is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae, first described by Pergande in 1920. The species name indicates an association with juniper (Juniperus) as a host plant. It belongs to a small genus of aphids within the tribe Aphidini. Distribution records indicate presence in both Brazil and the United States, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Sarucallis
crape myrtle aphid
Sarucallis is a monotypic genus of aphids in the family Aphididae. The sole described species, Sarucallis kahawaluokalani, is commonly known as the crape myrtle aphid. Adults measure 1.2 to 1.8 millimeters in body length. The genus is native to Asia and has become widely distributed globally through the ornamental plant trade, tracking the spread of its host plant, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.).
Sarucallis kahawaluokalani
Crapemyrtle Aphid
Sarucallis kahawaluokalani, the crapemyrtle aphid, is a specialist phloem-feeding pest native to Southeast Asia and first described from Hawaii in 1907. It has spread globally through the ornamental plant trade, closely tracking the distribution of its host plant Lagerstroemia spp. The species exhibits complex life cycle alternation between asexual summer generations and sexual autumn generations producing overwintering eggs. Heavy infestations cause aesthetic and physiological damage through honeydew production and associated sooty mold growth.
Schizaphis
Grass Aphids, Greenbug
Schizaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, superfamily Aphidoidea. Originally distributed in the Palaearctic region, several species have been introduced worldwide. The genus contains more than 40 recognized species, with Schizaphis graminum (greenbug) being the most economically significant. Species in this genus are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops, exhibiting varying degrees of host specificity from monophagy to polyphagy.
Schizaphis graminum
greenbug, wheat aphid, common wheat-louse
Schizaphis graminum, commonly known as the greenbug or wheat aphid, is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae. Native to the Palaearctic region, it has been introduced worldwide and is a significant pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat and sorghum. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with wingless forms predominating early in the season and winged forms developing under crowded conditions to disperse to new hosts. It causes direct damage through feeding and toxin injection, and indirect damage as a vector of multiple plant viruses.
Shivaphis
Shivaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Calaphidinae, described by Das in 1918. The genus includes species associated with trees in the family Cannabaceae, particularly Celtis (hackberries) and Pteroceltis. The most widely documented species, S. celti, is known as the Asian woolly hackberry aphid and has been introduced to North America. Species in this genus are characterized by their woolly wax secretions and specific host associations with woody plants.
Sipha
yellow sugarcane aphid (for S. flava), hedgehog grain aphid (for S. maydis)
Sipha is a genus of aphids (Aphididae) in the tribe Siphini, with nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The genus includes notable agricultural pests, particularly Sipha flava (yellow sugarcane aphid) and Sipha maydis (hedgehog grain aphid). Species in this genus feed on grasses and cereal crops, with some capable of transmitting plant viruses such as barley yellow dwarf virus. Several species have expanded their ranges rapidly in recent decades, becoming significant pests of sorghum, sugarcane, wheat, and barley.
Sipha flava
yellow sugarcane aphid
Sipha flava, commonly known as the yellow sugarcane aphid, is a significant agricultural pest native to North America that has spread to multiple continents. This aphid feeds on warm- and cool-season grasses including sugarcane, sorghum, corn, rice, and numerous pasture grasses. It is distinguished by its bright lemon-yellow to pale green coloration, body covered with small spines, and two double rows of dark spots on the dorsum. The species is notable for injecting a toxin while feeding that causes host plant leaves to turn purple in seedlings and yellow to reddish in older plants, leading to stunted growth, delayed maturity, and potential lodging. Unlike many aphids, it produces little to no honeydew. Populations can increase rapidly through parthenogenetic reproduction, with females giving birth to live young for approximately 28 days.
Sipha maydis
Hedgehog Grain Aphid
Sipha maydis, commonly known as the hedgehog grain aphid, is a globally distributed pest of cereal crops and wild grasses. Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, it was first detected in the United States in 2007 and has since expanded across the Southwest and Rocky Mountain states. The aphid feeds on phloem of Poaceae, with documented hosts including wheat, barley, sorghum, millet, and over 50 plant species worldwide. It reproduces parthenogenetically, with optimal development at 20–25°C. S. maydis is a vector of barley yellow dwarf virus and can cause leaf yellowing, rolling, and desiccation leading to yield reduction.
Siphini
Siphini is a tribe of aphids within the subfamily Chaitophorinae, first established by Eastop & van Emden in 1972. The tribe includes genera such as Atheroides and Sipha, which exhibit both oviparous and viviparous reproductive modes. Recent taxonomic work has described previously unknown morphs, including alate viviparous females of several species.
Sitobion
Sitobion is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising more than 80 described species. Species within this genus are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops, with Sitobion avenae (English grain aphid) being the most extensively studied. These aphids are phloem-feeding insects that can cause direct damage to host plants and vector plant viruses. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Sitobion avenae
English Grain Aphid
Sitobion avenae, the English grain aphid, is a globally distributed pest of cereal crops. It feeds on phloem sap and transmits yellow dwarf viruses to wheat, barley, and oats. Population dynamics are influenced by temperature, water availability, and host plant quality. The species exhibits complex reproductive strategies including both cyclical and obligate parthenogenesis. Management challenges include insecticide resistance, variable biotypes, and climate change impacts on dispersal and adaptation.
Sitobion luteum
orchid aphid
Sitobion luteum, commonly known as the orchid aphid, is a species of aphid in the family Aphididae. The species is found in Europe and has been recorded in additional regions including Brazil (Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo), Belgium, Germany, and France. It belongs to the genus Sitobion, which includes several economically significant cereal aphids. The specific epithet 'luteum' (meaning yellow or golden) likely refers to its coloration.
Smynthurodes
Smynthurodes is a genus of gall-forming aphids in the family Aphididae. The genus includes at least one well-documented species, Smynthurodes betae, which induces galls on host plants. Gall formation in this genus appears to be constrained by host plant phenology rather than active site selection by colonizing aphids. The genus has been recorded from parts of northern Europe.
Staticobium
Staticobium is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, tribe Macrosiphini. The genus includes species associated with sea-lavender (Limonium/Statice) in marine saltmarsh habitats. Staticobium staticis, the type species, has been studied for its effects on host plant fitness in coastal ecosystems.
Stegophylla
Woolly Oak Aphids
Stegophylla is a genus of aphids in the subfamily Phyllaphidinae, first described by Oscar W. Oestlund in 1923. Members are commonly known as woolly oak aphids due to their association with oak host plants and the waxy secretions they produce. The genus contains seven recognized species, including S. quercifoliae and S. quercicola, both linked to Quercus species.
Symydobius
Symydobius is a genus of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the tribe Calaphidini. Species occur in Europe and North America, with at least two described species: S. alniarius and S. americanus. The genus is associated with birch (Betula) hosts. Symydobius oblongus exhibits behavioral coordination with attending ants, specifically Formica lugubris.
Symydobius americanus
Dark birch aphid
Symydobius americanus is a small aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the dark birch aphid. It is specifically associated with birch trees (Betula species), particularly paper birch (Betula papyrifera). The species has been studied in the context of plant-mediated interactions between leaf-chewing herbivores and phloem-feeding insects, with research showing that prior caterpillar damage to host leaves does not significantly affect aphid colony performance.
Takecallis arundinariae
black-spotted bamboo aphid
Takecallis arundinariae, the black-spotted bamboo aphid, is a globally distributed aphid native to Eurasia. It feeds exclusively on bamboo species (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), particularly Phyllostachys, and has been introduced to multiple continents through human transport of host plants. The species forms small scattered colonies on leaf undersides and reproduces viviparously via alate viviparae. It is considered a pest of ornamental and cultivated bamboo when populations are uncontrolled.
Thecabius
Thecabius is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, subfamily Pemphiginae. Species occur in Europe and North America. At least one species, Thecabius affinis, exhibits dormancy with substantial lipid accumulation during overwintering. The genus contains at least two described species: T. affinis and T. anemoni.
Thecabius populimonilis
Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid
Thecabius populimonilis, commonly known as the Bead-like Cottonwood Gall aphid, is an aphid species in the family Aphididae. It induces distinctive galls on cottonwood trees (Populus species). The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving alternation between primary and secondary host plants.
Therioaphis
Therioaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae comprising more than 20 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably the spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis maculata, also treated as T. trifolii forma maculata) and the yellow clover aphid (Therioaphis trifolii), which infest alfalfa, clovers, and related legumes. These species have been extensively studied for biological control, host plant resistance, and their role as vectors of plant pathogens including alfalfa mosaic virus.
Therioaphis riehmi
Sweetclover Aphid
Therioaphis riehmi is an aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the Sweetclover Aphid. It belongs to a genus containing economically significant agricultural pests, including the spotted alfalfa aphid. The species has been documented in parts of Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.