Blackmargined Pecan Aphid
Monellia caryella
This record describes Monellia caryella (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Found on pecan trees. A clear to yellow or pale green aphid. Adults hold their wings flat over the back of the body. distinguished from the related Yellow Pecan Aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissel, which lacks the black front margin on the forewing, and holds the wings roof-like over the back of the body.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Calaphidinae
- Tribe
- Panaphidini
- Genus
- Monellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
bottomlands, near pecans
Geographic Range
e. NA to NM - Map
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Carya spp., especially C. illinoinensis (pecan) and C. cordiformis (bitternut hickory)
Life History
The species overwinters as eggs in bark crevices and under loose bark. Wingless nymphs hatch in the spring, move to leaves, and develop through four instars. Winged and wingless adults that develop produce nymphs without mating by parthenogenesis. Many (16 to 32) generations occur annually. When cooler weather arrives, eggs are produced for the winter.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Monellia caryella. 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 Blackmargined Pecan Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Domingo Zungri; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackmargined Pecan Aphid
What is Blackmargined Pecan Aphid?
Blackmargined Pecan Aphid (Monellia caryella) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Blackmargined Pecan Aphid?
2-3 mm (about 1/16 inch)
How do you identify Blackmargined Pecan Aphid?
Found on pecan trees. A clear to yellow or pale green aphid. Adults hold their wings flat over the back of the body.
Where is Blackmargined Pecan Aphid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | bottomlands, near pecans |
| Range | e. NA to NM - Map |
What does Blackmargined Pecan Aphid eat?
The diet of the Blackmargined Pecan Aphid includes Carya spp., especially C. illinoinensis (pecan) and C. cordiformis (bitternut hickory).
When is Blackmargined Pecan Aphid active?
Blackmargined Pecan Aphid: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Blackmargined Pecan Aphid?
The species overwinters as eggs in bark crevices and under loose bark. Wingless nymphs hatch in the spring, move to leaves, and develop through four instars. Winged and wingless adults that develop produce nymphs without mating by parthenogenesis. Many (16 to 32) generations occur annually. When cooler weather arrives, eggs are produced for the winter.