Common Birch Aphid
Calaphis betulaecolens
This record describes Calaphis betulaecolens (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Viviparae all alate, bright lemon yellow without dorsal markings, with blackish antennae and tibiae and dark wing veins.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Calaphidinae
- Tribe
- Calaphidini
- Genus
- Calaphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widely distributed in North America.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Usually on leaves of Betula lutea and B. papyrifera , occasionally on other Betula spp.
Life History
Apterous oviparae and alate males occur in September-October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Fitch
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Calaphis betulaecolens. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Birch Aphid
What is Common Birch Aphid?
Common Birch Aphid (Calaphis betulaecolens) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Common Birch Aphid?
BL 3.0-3.5 mm
How do you identify Common Birch Aphid?
Viviparae all alate, bright lemon yellow without dorsal markings, with blackish antennae and tibiae and dark wing veins.
Where is Common Birch Aphid found?
Range: Widely distributed in North America.
What does Common Birch Aphid eat?
The diet of the Common Birch Aphid includes Usually on leaves of Betula lutea and B. papyrifera , occasionally on other Betula spp..
What is the life cycle of a Common Birch Aphid?
Apterous oviparae and alate males occur in September-October.