Giant Reed Aphid
Melanaphis donacis
This record describes Melanaphis donacis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Purplish brown, coated by whitish waxy secretions. Six segmented antennae. tended by ants
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
- Melanaphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to so. Europe, Africa and Asia, introduced to the US and S America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Arundo donax, A. plinii , other Phragmites
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanaphis donacis (Passerini 1861)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Melanaphis donacis. 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 Giant Reed Aphid
What is Giant Reed Aphid?
Giant Reed Aphid (Melanaphis donacis) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Giant Reed Aphid?
body length & width 1.57 and 0.90 mm; antenna (0.72); antennal segments III to VI 0.232: 0.135: 0.123: 0.23 (0.095 + 0.135); U.r.s 0.064; hind tarsus (2nd seg.) 0.014; siphunculi 0.085; caudal length 0.114.
How do you identify Giant Reed Aphid?
Purplish brown, coated by whitish waxy secretions. Six segmented antennae.
Where is Giant Reed Aphid found?
Range: Native to so. Europe, Africa and Asia, introduced to the US and S America
What does Giant Reed Aphid eat?
The diet of the Giant Reed Aphid includes hosts: Arundo donax, A. plinii , other Phragmites.