Elder Aphid
Aphis sambuci
This record describes Aphis sambuci (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
A variable species, but the usual form is dark grey marked with white. Usually found on Elder but has used a number of other plants. Large colonies often form on the stems of Elder. Thought to be widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, but it is little recorded. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_sambuci_elder_aphid.htm
Wikipedia reference for Aphis sambuci: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphis_sambuci.
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
Usually found on Elder but has used a number of other plants.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Large colonies often form on the stems of Elder.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, but it is little recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis sambuci. 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 Elder Aphid (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Aphid
What is Elder Aphid?
Elder Aphid (Aphis sambuci) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Elder Aphid found?
Habitat: Usually found on Elder but has used a number of other plants.
When is Elder Aphid active?
Elder Aphid: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Elder Aphid?
Large colonies often form on the stems of Elder.