California Lilac Aphid
Aphis ceanothi
This record describes Aphis ceanothi (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apterae are dull reddish or amber-brown; dorsal abdomen with large black presiphuncular sclerites, often linked by a transverse sclerite on abdominal tergite 6.
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: hosts: Ceanothus spp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphis ceanothi Clarke 1903
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis ceanothi. 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 California Lilac Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Natalie Hernandez; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About California Lilac Aphid
What is California Lilac Aphid?
California Lilac Aphid (Aphis ceanothi) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify California Lilac Aphid?
Apterae are dull reddish or amber-brown; dorsal abdomen with large black presiphuncular sclerites, often linked by a transverse sclerite on abdominal tergite 6.
What does California Lilac Aphid eat?
The diet of the California Lilac Aphid includes hosts: Ceanothus spp..