Hemiptera390 species

Family Aphids (Aphididae)

Aphididae is a family in the order Hemiptera. Browse 390 named species recorded in this family, or open an individual profile for its available identification and natural-history information.

Species in Aphididae (390)

Acyrthosiphon pisum

The body length of Acyrthosiphon pisum apterae ranges from 2.2 to 5.0 mm long. They are pale green or pink with red eyes. Their antennae are 1.0 to 1.6 times as long as the body. The antennal segments, tibiae and siphunculi have dark apices. The siph

Large Raspberry Aphid

Amphorophora idaei

The body length of Amphorophora idaei apterae is 2.7 to 4.1 mm. The apterae are usually greenish white or pale yellow. The alate Amphorophora idaei) is of similar size but has a brown head and thorax, and has the distal half of the siphunculi darkene

Amphorophora rubi

The body length of Amphorophora rubi apterae is 2.2 to 4.7 mm. A. rubi apterae are pale green or yellowish green with pale, slightly swollen siphunculi, . For additional information see the ‘Further info:’ link below. Amphorophora idaei is similar, b

Anoecia corni

A black and white coloured species with a dark stigma in the wing. It is parthenogenetic on the roots of grasses for much of the year and then produces sexual morphs which feed, mate and produce winter eggs on Dogwood. https://influentialpoints.com/G

Aphis armata

The apterae of Aphis armata are black. Immatures often have discrete wax spots, but apterae rarely have such spots. The middle abdominal tergites in apterae are usually without dark sclerotic bands. The only reliable characteristic to differentiate t

California Lilac Aphid

Aphis ceanothi

Identification: Apterae are dull reddish or amber-brown; dorsal abdomen with large black presiphuncular sclerites, often linked by a transverse sclerite on abdominal tergite 6.

Aphis cornifoliae

Identification: Apterae dark brown to dull greenish-black. On upper and undersides of leaves of Cornus spp., males are apterous (Palmer 1952).

Cowpea Aphid

Aphis craccivora

Identification: Adults shiny black, immatures lightly dusted with wax and light brownish. Det. Andrew Jensen, 2009 Young colonies concentrate on the growing points of plants and are usually attended by ants. Can be a serious pest of many crops and or

Aphis cytisorum

Aphis cytisorum is a very dark green aphid which may appear greyish because of the strong wax secretion. The adult aptera has a dark sclerotized dorsal abdominal shield, which is often rather fragmented and variable in size. The dark sclerotic areas

Aphis epilobii

Adult apterae of Aphis epilobii are dark blackish-green to reddish-brown, but often appear dark-grey to pinkish-brown because of a rather uniform powdering of wax. The alate has marginal postsiphuncular and small marginal sclerites, but no dorsal cro

Spindle Aphid

Aphis euonymi

A reddish to chocolate brown aphid, often with transverse bars of wax dust on anterior abdominal tergites. The body length of apterae is 1.7 to 2.9 mm. The spindle aphid does not host alternate. It feeds on spindle (Euonymus europaeus). Probably fair

Black Bean Aphid

Aphis fabae

The black bean aphid is more commonly known as 'Black fly'. Adult aphids are up to 2mm long and elliptical in shape. They are black in colour, although they can also appear dark green or purple. Colonies can usually be found on the undersides of leav

Small Willow Aphid

Aphis farinosa

Aphis farinosa apterae are quite small and are green mottled with yellow-orange. The siphunculi are pale with a slightly dusky tip and the cauda is distinctly darker. The body length of Aphis farinosa apterae is 1.6 to 2.5 mm. Their oviparae are dull

Red-and-black cherry aphid

Aphis feminea

Identification: Adult apterae are red with black head, prothorax and mesothorax, antennae, and legs.

Soybean Aphid

Aphis glycines

Major pest of soybean. Fields close to buckthorn plants (the overwintering plant) tend to suffer worse infestations. Some natural enemies are ladybeetles, lacewings, pirate bugs, predatory flies, and entomopathogenic (insect disease-causing) fungi

Aphis gossypii

The body length of adult Aphis gossypii apterae ranges from 0.9 to 1.8 mm. Wingless females of Aphis gossypii are usually blackish green or dark green mottled with lighter. In hot conditions or when crowded they are smaller, and these dwarf forms are

Aphis grossulariae

Dense colonies of Aphis grossulariae at the growing tips of Gooseberry cause severe deformation and clumping of young leaves. The adult aptera is dull green to dark green and is slightly to moderately wax powdered. The antennae are shorter than the b

Ivy Aphid

Aphis hederae

The apterae of Aphis hederae are dark greenish. The antennae are mostly pale, only darkened from the middle of segment 5 to the apex. The alate has strong transverse dark bands on most tergites. (see link below for further information) Please provide

Aphis ilicis

Aphis ilicis apterae are dark olive-brown, reddish-brown or greyish-brown. For a more detailed description of this species please use the ‘Further info:’ link below. Please add good quality images to support your record, and also state the host plant

Grapevine Aphid

Aphis illinoisensis

Identification: Hind legs are mostly black, small section at the base of the hind femora may be lighter. Siphunculi are somewhat long compared to other Aphis spp., black, and curve outward slightly. Antennae and cauda are dark or black. Body is gener

Aphis jacobaeae

The body length of Aphis jacobaeae apterae is 1.8 to 2.2 mm. Immatures and adults are greeny-black - all segments of the antennae are dark. The legs are dark except for the extreme bases of their femora. Aphis fabae which also occurs on Ragwort has p

Iris Aphid

Aphis newtoni

The body length of the Aphis newtoni aptera is around 2 mm and they vary from reddish brown to almost black. Please supply images to support your record and, where possible, gain expert confirmation of species identification before submitting the rec

Apple Aphid

Aphis pomi

Identification: Apterae bright apple-green with black siphunculi and dark cauda, in dense colonies on young growth of several genera of woody Rosaceae (Pomoidea); ant-attended, and causing slight leaf-curl

Small American Raspberry Aphid

Aphis rubicola

Identification: Apterae are pale yellowish green, with pale appendages.

Dock Aphid

Aphis rumicis

The wingless form has a length of 2 to 2.7 mm and is black to very dark greenish-brown. The winged form is also mainly black in colour. It is similar to another Dock feeder Aphis fabae but that species does not cause the leaf edges of Dock to curl. F

Elder Aphid

Aphis sambuci

A variable species, but the usual form is dark grey marked with white. Usually found on Elder but has used a number of other plants. Large colonies often form on the stems of Elder. Thought to be widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, but it is l

Spirea Aphid

Aphis spiraecola

important pest on species of citrus, but also attacks many other crops incl. crucifers (Brassicaceae); potato, peppers, and tobacco (Solanaceae); apple, Spiraea , and Prunus (Rosaceae), and a variety of ornamentals. Implicated in transmission of 17 p

Aphis ulicis

Adult apterae of Aphis ulicis are dark blackish green, with the abdominal dorsum shiny black, but usually covered with greyish wax powdering. The legs and antennae are largely pale. See 'Further Information' link below for more detail. Please provide

Aphis ulmariae

Aphis ulmariae live in the curled terminal leaves of Meadowsweet and other Filipendula species. Adult apterae are generally described as mottled dark green in life but some are yellow mottled with green, similar to the colour variation shown by its c

Aphis urticata

Early generations of the dark green nettle aphid are dark bluish-green often mottled with a lighter green they have pale tapering siphunculi and a pale cauda - the adult apterae are 1.7 to 2.2 mm. (see the 'Further Information' link below for more de

Aphis viburni

Apterae of Aphis viburni are slate-coloured, brownish green or dark brown, sometimes with paired pleural wax spots on the abdomen. Of all the 'black aphid' group, A. viburni is probably the most variable in colour. Aphis viburni can most readily be d

American Viburnum Aphid

Aphis viburniphila

Caveat: images here may turn out to be a different species

Foxglove Aphid

Aulacorthum solani

Non native, a Palearctic species first reported in 1879. A major pest.

Brachycaudus cardui

Brachycaudus cardui apterae are brownish-yellow, pale green or brown, with separate cross bars on thoracic segments, a large shining black spot situated dorsally on the abdomen and 2 or 3 black stripes at the tip. The immatures are yellowish or reddi

Brachycaudus helichrysi

Brachycaudus helichrysi aphids causes distortion of leaves of various Prunus species (primary host) causing the leaves to become rolled up tightly in spring. These are not true galls, and other aphids may cause similar leaf distortions. Aphids 2 mm,

Campion Aphid Group-Brachycaudus lychnidis species group

Brachycaudus lychnidis species group - (B. klugkisti, B. lychnicola and B. lychnidis sensu stricto)

Please provide close up image (s) of the aphids and a photo showing whether they were found at the top or bottom of the plant. Most often found on the upper parts of Red Campion plants, but also uses White Campion. All year, but especially late sprin

Mealy Cabbage Aphid

Brevicoryne brassicae

Brevicoryne brassicae apterae are green and wax-powdered. The head, tips of the antennae and the legs are dark. The body length of apterae is 1.9 to 2.7 mm. Spends its entire life cycle on Brassicas such as Cabbage and Oil-seed Rape. Most readily see

Common Birch Aphid

Calaphis betulaecolens

Identification: Viviparae all alate, bright lemon yellow without dorsal markings, with blackish antennae and tibiae and dark wing veins.

Callipterinella tuberculata

Callipterinella tuberculata apterae are usually yellowish with a brown head, a reddish-brown dorsal band over the front of the abdomen and a dark quadratic patch on abdominal tergites 4-6. However, the dark markings are very variable. The body length

Sumac-grass Aphid

Carolinaia rhois

Identification: Apterae yellow-brown with black clavate siphunculi. On undersides of leaves of Rhus glabra and Rh. typhina (= hirta ). Alatae have a brownish yellow or greenish yellow abdomen with dusky dorsal markings. Monoecious holocyclic on Rhus

Willow-carrot Aphid

Cavariella aegopodii

The body length of Cavariella aegopodii apterae is 1.5 to 2.8 mm, they are greenish or reddish. The alate of Cavariella aegopodii has a central black patch on the abdominal dorsum, and a dark cauda and siphunculi. Unless identified by a recognised ex

Spotted Willow‒Angelica Aphid

Cavariella konoi

Identification: Apterae in spring colonies on Salix are green or yellowish-green, often with two darker green longitudinal stripes

Cavariella theobaldi

The body length of Cavariella theobaldi apterae is 1.8 to 2.8 mm. For further details please follow the ‘Further info:’ link below Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in t

Fringed Orchid Aphid

Cerataphis orchidearum

Non native, from the Orient or the tropics. It is common in green houses.

Chaitophorus pallipes

Identification: Apterae yellow with broad black pleural stripes, and femora usually pale, at least on fore and middle legs. Alatae have black dorsal abdominal cross-bands. First instars are yellow. Ant-attended.

Chaitophorus populeti

The body length of Chaitophorus populeti is 1.5 to 2.9 mm. The nymphs of this species are distinctively patterned, the adult apterae are black and more difficult unless recorded in association with nymphs. For more information please follow the ‘Furt

Chaitophorus salijaponicus subsp. niger

Adult apterae of Chaitophorus salijaponicus subsp. niger are usually uniformly blackish-brown. For a more detailed description of this species please use the ‘Further info:’ link below. Please add good quality images to support your record, and also

Chaitophorus tremulae

The apterae of the aphid Chaitophorus tremulae are elongate oval with the dorsum solidly blackish sclerotic, rather densely sculptured with denticular spinules (=small toothlike spines), and very often with a paler line along the mid-dorsum. More inf

Cinara confinis

Apterae of Cinara confinis are greenish-black or dark brown, with a double row of blackish slightly shining speckles and small flecks of fine wax in transverse rows. Cinara confinis alatae are grey-green also with small flecks of fine wax in transver

Green Spruce Aphid

Cinara fornacula

Identification: Apterae are pale, translucent green, or sometimes pale brown, with slight pruinosity On small branches and current year's growth of Picea spp., living at the needle bases, not attended by ants

Black Larch Aphid

Cinara laricifex

Identification: Apterae are dark brown to bronze, without wax Sometimes confused with the European C. laricis (Hartig)

Spruce Shoot Giant-aphid

Cinara pilicornis

Identification: Apterae are either orange-brown or greyish-green Introduced from the Palearctic, 1912

Cinara pinea

Apterae of Cinara pinea are shiny orange-brown early in the year and grey or dark brown later on. The body is finely spotted with black and dusted with wax especially along the dorsal midline and laterally. The spots are black scleroite plates at the

White Pine Aphid

Cinara strobi

Identification: Adults are longlegged, and spider-like in appearance. The body is shiny dark brown with a white stripe down the middle of the back. White powdery spots on the sides are often present. Heavy infestations of aphids may kill young trees

Corylobium avellanae

Corylobium avellanae apterae are usually yellowish-green but in one form the aphid is mottled with red. For additional information see ‘Further info’ link below. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show

Red Currant Aphid

Cryptomyzus ribis

The aphid Cryptomyzus ribis causes galls on the leaves of Currant species ( Ribes ). The galls take the form of raised thickened patches on the upper surface of leaves, these may be yellowish or red, the leaf often curls downwards. Hairy depressions

Italian Alder Aphid

Crypturaphis grassii

Crypturaphis grassi is a monophagous species of aphid feeding solely on Italian Alder (Alnus cordata). When Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) is in leaf. Native to southern Italy and Corsica and first recorded in the UK in 1998 its true status is not yet

Broom Hedgehog Aphid

Ctenocallis setosa

Identification: numerous long finger-like protuberances on dorsum

Common Sycamore Aphid

Drepanosiphum plantanoidis

By nitrogen tracking, they enter a reproductive diapause in summer, avoiding period of low nitrogen availability.

Drepanosiphum platanoidis

In this species all adult forms are winged, and range in size from 3.2 to 4.3 mm long. They have red eyes, a brown thorax, and a pale green abdomen. The upper surface of the abdomen has up to 5 or 6 variably developed dark cross-bars. Early in the ye

Wild Service Aphid

Dysaphis aucupariae

Apterae of the aphid Dysaphis aucupariae cause pseudogalls on the leaves of Wild Service-tree (Sorbus torminalis) The pseudogall is initially pale yellow green, but soon becomes tinged with red. Its form is somewhat variable, either curled from the l

Rosy Leaf-curling Aphid agg.

Dysaphis devecta agg.

The Dysaphis devecta species group includes three species of aphid: D. devecta , D. anthrisci and D. chaerophylli . All members of the D. devecta group roll the edges of apple leaves and turn them red to produce a characteristic gall. Please provide

Hawthorn-Buttercup Aphid

Dysaphis ranunculi

The aphid Dysaphis ranunculi causes a gall on the leaves of Hawthorns. These yellowish galls cause the leaf to turn down like an upturned boat, and contain deep grey waxy aphids. The galls may be flushed rosy pink. It alternates its host between Hawt

Dysaphis tulipae

Adult apterae of Dysaphis tulipae are pale greenish yellow, but may appear whitish because of an overlay of white powder. There is often a reddish suffusion around the siphunculi which is more prominent in immatures. The body length of the Dysaphis t

Elatobium abietinum

A pale to dark green aphid found on spruce ( Picea ) or silver fir ( Abies ) needles, usually Sitka Spruce ( Picea sitchensis ). See Infuential Points (link below) for a description. It sometimes causes defoliation and can be a serious pest of Sitka

Woolly Apple Aphid

Eriosoma lanigerum

Identification: Reddish-purplish with characteristic bluish-white woolly masses of wax on its body This aphid transmits perennial canker. It is more of a problem when pesticides have destroyed its natural enemies. The larvae of Heringia calcarata (Sy

Eriosoma lanuginosum

Eriosoma lanuginosum is an aphid which causes the formation of a leaf gall on Elm which takes the form of a bladder looking like a pale green egg or pear which may be 6 or even 8 cm long and nearly as wide. The gall is more often seen than the adult

European Elm Leafcurl Aphid

Eriosoma ulmi

Eriosoma ulmi is a greyish waxy aphid that causes a leaf roll gall to form on the leaves of Elm. One half of the Elm leaf blade crinkles and rolls in to form a tubular pouch. The gall is seen more often than the aphid. Other Eriosoma species can caus

Lime Aphid

Eucallipterus tiliae

All adult viviparae of Eucallipterus tiliae are alates (winged) The body is pale yellow with black markings, including lateral stripes on head and prothorax and two rows of black dorsal abdominal spots. The forewing has a dark front edge and dark spo

Euceraphis betulae

E. betulae is mainly green in colour but the body of the adult aphids is dusted with a pale bluish wax, which may also form a furry coating on the antennae and legs. A very similar species, Euceraphis punctipennis, is found on Downy Birch and detaile

Downy Birch Aphid

Euceraphis punctipennis

One of the larger aphids and has a pale green body, lightly dusted with bluish wax particles, membranous wings and long legs. Euceraphis betulae is found on Silver Birch. Found living on downy birch trees (Betula pubescens) where they feed and multip

Hayhurstia atriplicis

The aphid Hayhurstia atriplicis galls the leaves of Fat-hen and Orache, rolling the leaves or bracteoles upwards along the midrib, often several leaves affected. Wherever the host plants occur – often on waste ground or disturbed soil. The galls may

Hoplochaitophorus quercicola

Identification: Apterae are greenish with dark dorsal markings. Spinelike dorsal setae and the association with oak are distinctive. It occurs on both sides of leaves along the veins.

Witch Hazel Cone Gall Aphid

Hormaphis hamamelidis

At lower altitudes they have a secondary host: river birch ( Betula nigra ) but at higher ones they have fewer generations and only one host, witchhazel. They may be two separate species.

Coriander aphid

Hyadaphis coriandri

Introduced from Asia probably Central Asia. Now worldwide.The 2 other members of this genus in the US are also introduced.

Fenel Aphid

Hyadaphis foeniculi

Identification: Mostly grayish green with dark antennae, legs, cornicles, and cauda (tail-like structure). It may be coated by dusty white wax. Winged forms have green abdomen spotted with darker green and with dark patch around the base of each corn

Hyadaphis passerinii

Hyadaphis passerinii apterae are elongate and greyish green with a waxy bloom. The antennae and legs are black as are the siphunculi and cauda. The apterae body length is 1.3 to 2.3 mm. For more detail follow the ' Further Information' link below. Th

Honeysuckle Aphid

Hyadaphis tataricae

Identification: Pale green to cream causes stunting of leaves and stems

Hyalopterus pruni

The Hyalopterus pruni aptera is a small to medium sized aphid, with an elongate shape. It is usually pale green with a fine darker green mottling, covered with wax meal, but on the summer host (reeds) there are dusky red as well as green forms. Aphid

Illinoia liriodendri

The body length of an adult Illinoia liriodendri aptera is 1.7 to 2.5 mm. I. liriodendri apterae are spindle shaped and pale green, lightly dusted with wax. There are also yellowish and pink-red forms. For a more detailed description of this species

Lachnus roboris

Lachnus roboris apterae are shining blackish brown. The body length of an adult L. roboris aptera is 2.5 to 5.5 mm. L. roboris alates have the forewing membrane pigmented except for four clear patches (hence the common name ‘Variegated’ Oak Aphid). G

Liosomaphis berberidis

The alate Liosomaphis berberidis has the head, thorax, antennae and tips of legs darker than in the apterous viviparous female. Some tergites may have pale marginal and dorsal sclerites, sometimes fused into cross bands. L. berberidis apterae are gre

Turnip Aphid

Lipaphis pseudobrassicae

This species is often confused with Lipaphis erysimi . As far as we know, L. erysimi only occurs in northern Europe, whereas L. pseudobrassicae is widely distributed. The two species are extremely similar, but L. pseudobrassicae has relatively longer

Longicaudus trirhodus

Apterae of Longicaudus trirhodus on their primary host (Rose) are pale yellowish-green and lightly wax-dusted, with slightly darker green transverse bands across the abdomen. Apterae on the secondary hosts (Columbine) are more yellow-green. The third

Mugwort Aphid

Macrosiphoniella artemisiae

Macrosiphoniella artemisiae apterae are greyish-green and wax powdered. The antennae and legs are mostly black, except for the base of antennal segment III and the basal part of the front femur which are brown. The siphunculi and cauda are entirely b

Macrosiphoniella millefolii

The Apterae of Macrosiphoniella millefolii are of moderate size, green and wax powdered except for a spinal stripe on the abdomen and presiphuncular spots Good photographs required, please state the host species when submitting records. Macrosiphonie

Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria

Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria apterae are large wax powdered green or pinkish-brown aphids. For a more detailed description of this species please use the ‘Further info:’ link below. Please add good quality images to support your record, and also stat

Lupin Aphid

Macrosiphum albifrons

It has a bluish-green body covered with a white wax. Its large size (3.5 to 4.5 mm) makes it easily distinguishable from other aphid species. Lives, as itscommon name suggests, on lupin. Probably fairly frequent and widespread, but little recorded in

Potato Aphid

Macrosiphum euphorbiae

The adult wingless form is large 1.7 to 3.6mm and an elongated pear shape. It ranges from light green, yellowish green to pinkish red. It often has a darker stripe down the centre of its back, especially in immature nymphs. This species has noticeabl

Herb Bennet Aphid

Macrosiphum gei

Macrosiphum gei apterae are spindle-shaped, usually mid-green to bluish green or wine red. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID m

Hellebore Aphid

Macrosiphum hellebori

A largely pale green aphid around 3 mm long with black bands above the 'knees' and dark 'feet'. Infests the flowers and foliage of hellebores. A sap feeding aphid and one of the most important pests of hellebores. Widespread in Britain and fairly fre

Rose Stem Aphid

Maculolachnus submacula

2.7-3.8mm. A brown aphid, covered in short hairs and with very short siphuncules. Alates have a dark spot on the wing. It usually feeds on the lower stems or roots of roses, including garden varieties, but can occasionally be found on other species i

Vetch Aphid

Megoura viciae

Aphids can rarely be described as handsome creatures, but Megoura viciae is perhaps as close as it gets! A large shiny green globular bodied aphid with black head, legs and antennae. It also has startling red eyes. The leaves at the tip of the shoot

Megourella tribulis

This small aphid is mainly black with a blue-grey bloom on part of its body Found on vetch, possibly on other plants too. We have been unable to find very much information relating to this species, but it seems to be associated with vetch. https://in

Giant Reed Aphid

Melanaphis donacis

Identification: Purplish brown, coated by whitish waxy secretions. Six segmented antennae. tended by ants

Black Pecan Aphid

Melanocallis caryaefoliae

Identification: only black aphid that attacks pecan foliage. The adult may be various shades of green or black. Nymphs tend to be lighter in color than the adults, especially in spring when the first through fourth instars have little dark pigment. A

Melaphis asafitchi

Identification: From InfluentialPoints , "It is possible to distinguish between two of the species in the Melaphis rhois species group ( Melaphis rhois and Melaphis asafitchi ) when they are on the primary host. For Melaphis rhois the length of the a

Sumac Gall Aphid

Melaphis rhois

Nettle Aphid

Microlophium carnosum

A very variable species with winged and unwinged forms that may be various colours, often green or pink. The winged females are able to reproduce by parthenogenesis (asexually), giving birth to pregnant offspring. This phenomenon is known as telescop

Monaphis antennata

Identification: All viviparae alate. Very large ventrally flattened, highly cryptic green aphids with relatively short legs and very long, conspicuously blackish antennae, and an elongate dark pterostigma. Males alate, smaller than viviparae and red