Cowpea Aphid
Aphis craccivora
This record describes Aphis craccivora (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 ornamentals.
Wikipedia reference for Aphis craccivora: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphis_craccivora.
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Palaearctic (now truly cosmopolitan) - Map , introduced to NA ca. 1890
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts include plants of many families: Fabaceae (mainly), Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, etc. with marked preference for Fabaceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphis craccivora Koch 1854
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis craccivora. 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 Cowpea Aphid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowpea Aphid
What is Cowpea Aphid?
Cowpea Aphid (Aphis craccivora) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Cowpea Aphid?
Apterae 1.4-2.0 mm
How do you identify Cowpea Aphid?
Adults shiny black, immatures lightly dusted with wax and light brownish. Det. Andrew Jensen, 2009
Where is Cowpea Aphid found?
Range: native to the Palaearctic (now truly cosmopolitan) - Map , introduced to NA ca. 1890
What does Cowpea Aphid eat?
The diet of the Cowpea Aphid includes hosts include plants of many families: Fabaceae (mainly), Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, etc. with marked preference for Fabaceae.