Cherry Aphid
Myzus cerasi
This record describes Myzus cerasi (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
On its primary host (Cherry), Myzus cerasi cause the leaves to curl and produce ant-attended leaf nests. The adult aptera that lives in the leaf nest is a small to medium sized aphid, shiny, very dark brown to black with a sclerotized dorsum. Good quality close up photograph required. Please also state the host species when adding a record. Not all aphid records can be confirmed from photographs. Most likely to be observed on Cherry – the primary host. Most populations of the black cherry-aphid host alternate migrate from cherry ( Prunus cerasus , P. avium ) as the primary host to bedstraws ( Galium ), eyebrights ( Euphrasia ) and speedwell ( Veronica spp) as the secondary hosts. The return migration occurs in September-October. Overwintering eggs are laid in autumn on cherry trees ( P. cerasus and P. avium ). These hatch in spring to give rise to colonies of aphids living in leaf nests on the trees. Not well recorded, but seems to be widespread in Britain. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Myzus_cerasi_Black_cherry_aphid.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
- Macrosiphini
- Genus
- Myzus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most likely to be observed on Cherry – the primary host.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Most populations of the black cherry-aphid host alternate migrate from cherry (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Not well recorded, but seems to be widespread in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Myzus cerasi. 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 Cherry Aphid (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Aphid
What is Cherry Aphid?
Cherry Aphid (Myzus cerasi) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Cherry Aphid found?
Habitat: Most likely to be observed on Cherry – the primary host.
When is Cherry Aphid active?
Cherry Aphid: seasonal activity - April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Cherry Aphid?
Most populations of the black cherry-aphid host alternate migrate from cherry (