HemipteraAphididae – Aphids

Sumac-grass Aphid

Carolinaia rhois

This record describes Carolinaia rhois (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Sumac-grass Aphid - Carolinaia rhois
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov

Apterae yellow-brown with black clavate siphunculi. On undersides of leaves of Rhus glabra and Rh. typhina (= hirta ). Alatae have a brownish yellow or greenish yellow abdomen with dusky dorsal markings. Monoecious holocyclic on Rhus , with alate males.

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
Macrosiphini
Genus
Carolinaia

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

Diet and Behavior

Diet: Rhus spp. Possibly a partial migration to Gramineae

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Carolinaia (Glabromyzus) rhois (Monell 1879)

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Carolinaia rhois. 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 →

Photos of Sumac-grass Aphid (5)

Sumac-grass Aphid - photo 1
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Sumac-grass Aphid - photo 2
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Sumac-grass Aphid - photo 3
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Sumac-grass Aphid - photo 4
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Sumac-grass Aphid - photo 5
Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Sumac-grass Aphid

What is Sumac-grass Aphid?

Sumac-grass Aphid (Carolinaia rhois) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Sumac-grass Aphid?

1.9‒2.3 mm

How do you identify Sumac-grass Aphid?

Apterae yellow-brown with black clavate siphunculi. On undersides of leaves of Rhus glabra and Rh. typhina (= hirta ). Alatae have a brownish yellow or greenish yellow abdomen with dusky dorsal markings. Monoecious holocyclic on Rhus , with alate males.

What does Sumac-grass Aphid eat?

The diet of the Sumac-grass Aphid includes Rhus spp. Possibly a partial migration to Gramineae.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.