Damson-hop aphid
Phorodon humuli
This record describes Phorodon humuli (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Phorodon humuli apterae are small to medium sized, whitish to pale yellowish green and relatively shiny. The abdomen is marked with three dark green longitudinal stripes. The damson-hop Aphid host alternates from blackthorn or plum species (Prunaceae) to hops (Cannabinaceae). Migration of winged forms to hops takes place from late spring. There is a return migration to the winter hosts in September where sexual forms are produced and eggs laid. It is difficult to assess the status in Britain due to lack of records relating to this species. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Phorodon_humuli_Damson-hop_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
- Phorodon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The damson-hop Aphid host alternates from blackthorn or plum species (Prunaceae) to hops (Cannabinaceae).
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Migration of winged forms to hops takes place from late spring. There is a return migration to the winter hosts in September where sexual forms are produced and eggs laid.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is difficult to assess the status in Britain due to lack of records relating to this species.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phorodon humuli. 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 Damson-hop aphid (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Damson-hop aphid
What is Damson-hop aphid?
Damson-hop aphid (Phorodon humuli) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Damson-hop aphid found?
Habitat: The damson-hop Aphid host alternates from blackthorn or plum species (Prunaceae) to hops (Cannabinaceae).
When is Damson-hop aphid active?
Damson-hop aphid: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Damson-hop aphid?
Migration of winged forms to hops takes place from late spring. There is a return migration to the winter hosts in September where sexual forms are produced and eggs laid.