Mealy Cabbage Aphid
Brevicoryne brassicae
This record describes Brevicoryne brassicae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Brevicoryne brassicae apterae are green and wax-powdered. The head, tips of the antennae and the legs are dark. The body length of apterae is 1.9 to 2.7 mm. Spends its entire life cycle on Brassicas such as Cabbage and Oil-seed Rape. Most readily seen in summer on Brassica crops such as Oil-seed Rape. In cold climates it overwinters as eggs, but where winters are mild Brevicoryne brassicae overwinters parthenogenetically. Probably fairly frequent in Britain although there are very few records on NBN for the species. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Brevicoryne_brassicae_Mealy_cabbage_aphid.htm
Wikipedia reference for Brevicoryne brassicae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevicoryne_brassicae.
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
- Brevicoryne
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Spends its entire life cycle on Brassicas such as Cabbage and Oil-seed Rape.
Seasonal Activity
Most readily seen in summer on Brassica crops such as Oil-seed Rape.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In cold climates it overwinters as eggs, but where winters are mild Brevicoryne brassicae overwinters parthenogenetically.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably fairly frequent in Britain although there are very few records on NBN for the species.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Brevicoryne brassicae. 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 Mealy Cabbage Aphid (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mealy Cabbage Aphid
What is Mealy Cabbage Aphid?
Mealy Cabbage Aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Mealy Cabbage Aphid?
of apterae is 1.9 to 2.7 mm.
Where is Mealy Cabbage Aphid found?
Habitat: Spends its entire life cycle on Brassicas such as Cabbage and Oil-seed Rape.
When is Mealy Cabbage Aphid active?
Mealy Cabbage Aphid: seasonal activity - Most readily seen in summer on Brassica crops such as Oil-seed Rape..
What is the life cycle of a Mealy Cabbage Aphid?
In cold climates it overwinters as eggs, but where winters are mild Brevicoryne brassicae overwinters parthenogenetically.