Large Thistle Aphid
Uroleucon cirsii
This record describes Uroleucon cirsii (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The large thistle aphid Uroleucon cirsii is between 4 and 5.2 mm in length and has characteristic two tone legs. Dark-tailed Thistle Aphid (Uroleucon aeneum) is similar and also uses Thistle as a host plant, but Uroleucon aeneum has an all black cauda (tail) whereas the cauda is dusky yellow in Uroleucon cirsii. A close up photograph is needed showing the cauda (tail). Please also state the host species. Found on thistles especially Creeping Thistle. It lives on the leaves and stems of some thistle species, especially Creeping Thistle. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Uroleucon_cirsii_Large_thistle_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.
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
- Uroleucon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on thistles especially Creeping Thistle.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It lives on the leaves and stems of some thistle species, especially Creeping Thistle.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Not well recorded in Britain
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Uroleucon cirsii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Large Thistle Aphid
What is Large Thistle Aphid?
Large Thistle Aphid (Uroleucon cirsii) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Large Thistle Aphid?
and has characteristic two tone legs.
Where is Large Thistle Aphid found?
Habitat: Found on thistles especially Creeping Thistle.
When is Large Thistle Aphid active?
Large Thistle Aphid: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Large Thistle Aphid?
It lives on the leaves and stems of some thistle species, especially Creeping Thistle.