Large Knapweed Aphid
Uroleucon jaceae
This record describes Uroleucon jaceae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a large blackish aphid that can appear dark metallic green. The abdominal tergites 2-4 often have small marginal tubercles. The femora have the basal half pale and distal half dark, with a rather sharp transition between them. The tibiae are totally black. The siphunculi are reticulated over the distal 0.16-0.27 of their length and are 1.3-1.8 times the length of the cauda. The cauda is dark and bears 18-30 hairs. The body length of apterae is 3.0-4.5 mm long. The large knapweed aphid lives on various knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) and a few other species of Asteraceae, but not generally on other thistles. It is found across Europe to the Middle East and much of Asia. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Uroleucon_jaceae_Large_knapweed_aphid.htm
Identification notes
- online help
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The large knapweed aphid lives on various knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) and a few other species of Asteraceae, but not generally on other thistles.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is found across Europe to the Middle East and much of Asia.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Uroleucon jaceae. 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 Large Knapweed Aphid (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Knapweed Aphid
What is Large Knapweed Aphid?
Large Knapweed Aphid (Uroleucon jaceae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Large Knapweed Aphid?
and are 1.3-1.8 times the length of the cauda. The cauda is dark and bears 18-30 hairs. The body length of apterae is 3.0-4.5 mm long.
How do you identify Large Knapweed Aphid?
- online help
Where is Large Knapweed Aphid found?
Habitat: The large knapweed aphid lives on various knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) and a few other species of Asteraceae, but not generally on other thistles.
When is Large Knapweed Aphid active?
Large Knapweed Aphid: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Large Knapweed Aphid?
It is found across Europe to the Middle East and much of Asia.