Black Bean Aphid
Aphis fabae
This record describes Aphis fabae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The black bean aphid is more commonly known as 'Black fly'. Adult aphids are up to 2mm long and elliptical in shape. They are black in colour, although they can also appear dark green or purple. Colonies can usually be found on the undersides of leaves as well as on soft new shoot tips or buds. Black bean aphids cluster together and are noticeable because of their dark colouring. During the warmer months aphids give birth to as many as five live young a day, so large colonies can develop very quickly, they can affect a wide range of garden plants, trees shrubs and certain vegetables (mainly beans and peas). When the colonies become over-populated, they move to different locations by producing winged aphids. During the cooler months, aphids mate and produce eggs which overwinter. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_fabae_Black_Bean_aphid.htm
Wikipedia reference for Aphis fabae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_bean_aphid.
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
Colonies can usually be found on the undersides of leaves as well as on soft new shoot tips or buds. Black bean aphids cluster together and are noticeable because of their dark colouring.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
During the warmer months aphids give birth to as many as five live young a day, so large colonies can develop very quickly, they can affect a wide range of garden plants, trees shrubs and certain vegetables (mainly beans and peas). When the colonies become over-populated, they move to different locations by producing winged aphids. During the cooler months, aphids mate and produce eggs which overwinter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis fabae. 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 Black Bean Aphid (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bean Aphid
What is Black Bean Aphid?
Black Bean Aphid (Aphis fabae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Black Bean Aphid found?
Habitat: Colonies can usually be found on the undersides of leaves as well as on soft new shoot tips or buds. Black bean aphids cluster together and are noticeable because of their dark colouring.
When is Black Bean Aphid active?
Black Bean Aphid: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Black Bean Aphid?
During the warmer months aphids give birth to as many as five live young a day, so large colonies can develop very quickly, they can affect a wide range of garden plants, trees shrubs and certain vegetables (mainly beans and peas). When the colonies become over-populated, they move to different locations by producing winged aphids. During the cooler months, aphids mate and produce eggs which overwinter.