Aphis urticata
This record describes Aphis urticata (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Early generations of the dark green nettle aphid are dark bluish-green often mottled with a lighter green they have pale tapering siphunculi and a pale cauda - the adult apterae are 1.7 to 2.2 mm. (see the 'Further Information' link below for more detail) Please provide a photograph to support your record and state whether found on Common Nettle. One of two aphid species associated with Common Nettle (Stinging Nettle), The overwintering eggs of Aphis urticata laid on nettle stems hatch in early May (see the 'Further Information' link below for more detail). Early generations of the dark green nettle aphid form dense colonies on stems and leaves of the common nettle ( Urtica dioica ). Widespread in Britain, but sometimes quite local in distribution. It would also seem to be under recorded. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_urticata.htm
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
One of two aphid species associated with Common Nettle (Stinging Nettle),
Seasonal Activity
The overwintering eggs of
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Early generations of the dark green nettle aphid form dense colonies on stems and leaves of the common nettle (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain, but sometimes quite local in distribution. It would also seem to be under recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis urticata. 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 Aphis urticata (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphis urticata
What is Aphis urticata?
Aphis urticata is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Aphis urticata found?
Habitat: One of two aphid species associated with Common Nettle (Stinging Nettle),
When is Aphis urticata active?
Aphis urticata: seasonal activity - The overwintering eggs of.
What is the life cycle of a Aphis urticata?
Early generations of the dark green nettle aphid form dense colonies on stems and leaves of the common nettle (