Aphis asclepiadis
This record describes Aphis asclepiadis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Aphidinae
- Tribe
- Aphidini
- Genus
- Aphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: >10 hosts (mostly Asclepias spp.)
Life History
colonies usually tended by ants ; Formica podzolica ants tending A. asclepiadis protect colonies from lethal fungal infections caused by Pandora neoaphidis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphis asclepiadis Fitch 1851
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis asclepiadis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aphis asclepiadis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov