Soybean Aphid
Aphis glycines
This record describes Aphis glycines (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
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 E. Asia, introduced to NA (1990s) and widespread in e. US, esp. Midwest (found in PA in 2001)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Soybean is secondary host. They overwinter on their primary host, buckthorn ( Rhamnus spp.)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphis glycines Matsumura 1917
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis glycines. 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 Soybean Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Soybean Aphid
What is Soybean Aphid?
Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Soybean Aphid?
<2 mm
Where is Soybean Aphid found?
Range: Native to E. Asia, introduced to NA (1990s) and widespread in e. US, esp. Midwest (found in PA in 2001)
What does Soybean Aphid eat?
The diet of the Soybean Aphid includes Soybean is secondary host. They overwinter on their primary host, buckthorn ( Rhamnus spp.).