Aphis ilicis

This record describes Aphis ilicis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

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. Aphis ilicis lives in dense colonies on young shoots and undersides of young leaves of Holly. Attacked leaves curl towards their undersides. Later in the year, when the leaves have matured, aphids can be found colonizing the berry petioles. It is rare to find any species other than Aphis ilicis on Holly. Sexual forms with winged males are recorded from July onwards. This species is usually attended by ants. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_ilicis_holly_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Aphididae
Genus: Aphis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Aphis ilicis

Seasonal Activity

Sexual forms with winged males are recorded from July onwards.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

This species is usually attended by ants.

Additional species information

Recorded status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis ilicis. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →