Aphid
Aphids are a large group of small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects in the superfamily Aphidoidea, commonly called plant lice.
Aphids are a large group of small, soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects in the superfamily Aphidoidea, commonly called plant lice. They are widespread on plants worldwide and are well known as agricultural and garden pests because they can weaken plants and transmit plant viruses.
Description
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects with sucking mouthparts and a pear-shaped body. They range in size from about 1 to 8 mm long. Many species have visible cornicles, a pair of tubelike projections on the abdomen. Common colour forms include green, black, yellow, pink, brown, and white. Aphids often live in clusters on actively growing plant tissue such as leaves, stems, flowers, and sometimes roots.
Biology and life cycle
Aphid life cycles can be complex and may include both asexual and sexual reproduction. Some species alternate between different host plants during their life cycle.
Ecological and economic importance
Aphids are important plant pests because they remove sap, excrete honeydew that can lead to sooty mold, and spread plant diseases. Their feeding can reduce plant vigour and crop yields. They can stunt growth, distort leaves, and transmit plant viruses.
Distribution and diversity
Aphids occur worldwide and are especially diverse in temperate regions. More than 4,000 species have been described worldwide. In Canada, aphids are common pests in gardens, greenhouses, nurseries, and crops, and Canadian extension resources describe them as frequent insects on many plants.
Key facts
- Aphids are small insects that feed by sucking sap from plants.
- They can stunt growth, distort leaves, and transmit plant viruses.
- Many species have cornicles, a pair of tubes near the rear of the abdomen.
- More than 4,000 aphid species are known worldwide.
Aphids are common pests in Canadian gardens, greenhouses, nurseries, and crops, and Canadian extension resources describe them as frequent insects on many plants.[16][17]
Frequently asked questions
What are aphids?
Why are aphids considered pests?
What do aphids look like?
Where are aphids found?
How many aphid species are there?
Do all aphids damage plants?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/aphidSupports: General definition, morphology, cornicles, and pest effects.
- Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/aphidsSupports: Common names, taxonomy, size range, colour variation, and feeding habits.
- University of Minnesota Extension — https://www.extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphidsSupports: Identification, symptoms, and management context; size, colours, and cornicles.
- University of New Hampshire Extension — https://extension.unh.edu/resource/aphids-fact-sheetSupports: Sap feeding, virus transmission, honeydew, and sooty mold impacts.
- University of Florida IFAS — https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lsolab/aphids/Supports: Global species count and pest importance.
- ScienceDirect Topics — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/aphidiidaeSupports: Species count, life-cycle complexity, reproduction, host alternation, and distribution context.