Aphis armata
This record describes Aphis armata (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The apterae of Aphis armata are black. Immatures often have discrete wax spots, but apterae rarely have such spots. The middle abdominal tergites in apterae are usually without dark sclerotic bands. The only reliable characteristic to differentiate the species from Aphis fabae is that the oviparae have hardly any swelling of the hind tibiae, whilst in Aphis fabae the oviparae have the hind tibiae strongly swollen. The body length of apterae is 2.2 to 2.9 mm. The foxglove aphid does not host alternate. It only feeds on Foxglove. Summer and autumn. In Britain, large populations of Aphis armata can often be found on Foxgloves from mid May. Widespread but little recorded in Britain. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_armata_foxglove_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The foxglove aphid does not host alternate. It only feeds on Foxglove.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn. In Britain, large populations of Aphis armata can often be found on Foxgloves from mid May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Sexual forms occur in autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but little recorded in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis armata. 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 Aphis armata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphis armata
What is Aphis armata?
Aphis armata is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Aphis armata found?
Habitat: The foxglove aphid does not host alternate. It only feeds on Foxglove.
When is Aphis armata active?
Aphis armata: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn. In Britain, large populations of Aphis armata can often be found on Foxgloves from mid May..
What is the life cycle of a Aphis armata?
Sexual forms occur in autumn.