Spirea Aphid
Aphis spiraecola
This record describes Aphis spiraecola (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
important pest on species of citrus, but also attacks many other crops incl. crucifers (Brassicaceae); potato, peppers, and tobacco (Solanaceae); apple, Spiraea , and Prunus (Rosaceae), and a variety of ornamentals. Implicated in transmission of 17 plant viruses
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
Habitat
all but the coldest terrestrial habitats ( AphID )
Geographic Range
native to Eurasia, now cosmopolitan - Map ; introduced to NA in early 1900s
Diet and Behavior
Diet: recorded from species of over 90 plant families
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aphis spiraecola Patch 1914
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis spiraecola. 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 Spirea Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Spirea Aphid
What is Spirea Aphid?
Spirea Aphid (Aphis spiraecola) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Spirea Aphid?
apterae 1.2-2.2 mm
Where is Spirea Aphid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | all but the coldest terrestrial habitats ( AphID ) |
| Range | native to Eurasia, now cosmopolitan - Map ; introduced to NA in early 1900s |
What does Spirea Aphid eat?
The diet of the Spirea Aphid includes recorded from species of over 90 plant families.